The aim of this paper is to provide a survey of different innovative technologies that can be applied to the micro-hydropower system to make it cost effective for rural energy supply. Electrical, mechanical, civil or electronic technologies that can increase the viability of micro-hydropower as a cost-effective energy source for remote and isolated communities in rural South Africa are presented. The motivation behind this study is that there are a significant number of potential sites in South Africa where micro-hydropower is a viable energy option to provide reliable and low cost energy and where conventional schemes are not appropriate.