The problem of use and development of renewable energy sources (RES) in modern economy and its significance to the Russian Federation is considered. The development of RES in the short term, until 2020, as well as the economic prerequisites for their implementation in the Russian Federation is described. The environmental benefits of RES are focused. The main issue is the prospects for development of small hydroenergetics in Southern Russia. The creation of small hydroelectric power stations at existing water facilities with the difference of 3 m or more for Rostov, Stavropol, Krasnodar regions is offered. The scheme for the development of small hydroenergetics at existing hydraulic facilities and small reservoirs of Rostov Region as accompanying elements for working water utilization system is proposed. A preliminary assessment of energy potential for selected objects is made. The total power and power generation by small hydroelectric power stations in Rostov region are estimated at 66.6 MW and 350 million kWh per year respectively. The evaluation of estimated costs for creation and operation of hydroelectric power stations, the priority of their creation as well as their economic and ecological efficiency is made.
