Spotlight | Support for certification
Leading hydropower companies and international organisations have declared their support for a new sustainability certification scheme for hydropower
Right: The new certification has been heralded as a ‘game- changer’ for the hydropower sector
THE HYDROPOWER SUSTAINABILITY STANDARD, launched at the World Hydropower Congress on 8 September 2021, has been developed to help ensure that hydropower projects across the world are recognised and certified for their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Developed by a coalition of industry, governments,
multilateral and financial institutions and civil society organisations, the certification scheme aims to build trust and promote transparency in the hydropower sector. “This new certification system is a game-changer
Below: The Hydropower Sustainability Standard will help demonstrate a project’s sustainability
for hydropower and is unmatched in the renewables sector,” commented Ashok Khosla, Chair of the Hydropower Sustainability Council which issued the new certification system. The Hydropower Sustainability Standard is
launched following a public consultation by the Hydropower Sustainability Council, with the support
of the International Hydropower Association (IHA). The Standard is cited in the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower, which was issued at the conclusion of the World Hydropower Congress, as the means to demonstrate a project’s sustainability. Leading members of IHA have declared their support for the new certification scheme. Developers, operators and manufacturers – from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Iceland, Sarawak (Malaysia), the United Kingdom and the United States – have either already confirmed they will put forward projects for certification or have urged their clients to comply with the new standard. International organisations including the
International Energy Agency (IEA), conservation groups, as well as former government heads have stated support for the new industry assurance system.
Earn the right to be labelled as
certified sustainable Hydropower projects will have to meet strict ESG performance criteria following an independent assessment to be awarded a new Certified Sustainable Hydropower label. Projects can be certified during planning, construction and operation, and the highest performers will be recognised with Silver and Gold certification status. Dr Khosla said: “To meet the critical challenge of
climate change, we urgently need greater investment in renewable energy such as hydropower. Due to the scale of investment required, the hydropower sector needs a credible, transparent certification scheme that will incentivise the best projects. This will give communities, governments and investors greater confidence about their net benefits and how impacts on the local environment are mitigated.”
10 | October 2021 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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