The Paper presents a multidisciplinary analysis of a small hydro power plant with an emphasis on consideration that a small hydro power plant is a specific electric energy facility. It is a try to make a distance from the frequent understanding of a small hydro power plant as a reduced synonym for a large hydro power plant. Segments of small hydro power plant project performance are analysed from water flow to putting of the plant into commercial operation. There is an analysis of civil engineering, hydro mechanical as well as electric and mechanical engineering elements and a way of performance of connection of a small hydro power plant to electric power network. Most recent trends and technical achievements in the field of small hydro power plants are described and possibilities for construction of small hydro power plants on already existing facilities that are primarily used for other purposes are considered. Influence of a small hydro power plant to environment is given while the procedures to be applied during designing, erection and operation of any small hydro power plant are shown with the aim to decrease negative environmental impact as much as possible. Basic guidelines to be defined for financial analyses of any small hydro power plant as well as project feasibility study models are presented. Administrative procedures necessary to be fulfilled when a small hydro power plant project is performed in the Republic of Croatia are presented as well. The paper is concluded with an analysis of the importance of small hydro power plants for the Republic of Croatia, a summary of activities performed by the time being and with an emphasis of the necessity and ways of supporting of small hydro power plant development.