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Hydro-Québec’s Eastmain-1 development gets highest level Hydropower Sustainability Certification
In a landmark achievement, Hydro-Québec’s Eastmain-1 development has earned the prestigious gold-level certification in adherence to the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. After an exhaustive 14-month independent assessment, this recognition underscores the project’s commitment to sustainable practices within the hydroelectric sector. The Hydropower Sustainability Council, responsible for
overseeing this certification, awarded the gold-level distinction to Hydro-Québec’s Eastmain-1 development after a thorough evaluation of its sustainability performance. This impartial standard evaluates hydropower projects across 12 crucial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects, ensuring their compliance with stringent sustainability benchmarks. Hydro-Québec initiated the certification process for its Eastmain-1 project in 2021. Nestled in the northern Quebec territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government, this venture encompasses two hydroelectric powerhouses with a combined installed capacity of 1248MW. The evaluation encompassed rigorous scrutiny, with three independent assessors meticulously reviewing numerous reports, scientific literature, and conducting site visits. Over 50 interviews were conducted with local stakeholders, including members of nearby Wemindji and Waskaganish Cree communities who play an active role in the project’s environmental oversight. Other participants ranged from hydroclimatology and biodiversity researchers to local mayors and Hydro-Québec personnel. “Respect for Indigenous peoples is a fundamental requirement of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard,” said Julie Boucher, Vice President – Sustainability, Community Relations and
Communications at Hydro-Québec. “We are honored that the Cree communities that worked with us during the construction and environmental follow-up phases accepted to engage in the certification process.” In a further move towards transparency, Hydro-Québec
invited four environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) observers to participate in the on-site audit week held in September 2022. This commitment to openness garnered praise from Dr. Jian-hua Meng, representing the WWF on the Hydropower Standard’s Governance Committee. This approach sets a precedent for industry accountability and transparency. The Hydropower Sustainability Standard represents a milestone for the industry, incentivizing robust ESG performance worldwide in hydropower projects. By ensuring positive impacts on local communities and their surroundings, this independent standard, managed by the Hydropower Sustainability Council, enjoys recognition from civil society organizations and multilateral banks. “All the renewable forms of energy that we need to use more
of to decarbonize our economies carry baggage, so we need standards, whether it’s for solar, wind or hydro,” said Ashok Khosla, sustainability pioneer and Chair of the Hydropower Sustainability Council. “Hydropower, by itself and as a complement and supporter of intermittent energy options such as solar and wind, must be considered with objectivity and accountability as a key element in any meaningful transition strategy.”
Notably, Hydro-Québec’s Eastmain-1 Development becomes the first North American hydropower facility to secure the Hydropower Sustainability Standard certification.
India
NHPC signs MOA with Govt of Arunachal Pradesh for hydropower facilities totalling 3800MW NHPC Limited has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the development of two major hydroelectric projects – the Subansiri Upper and Kamala projects. The MoA was formalized on August 12, 2023, at a ceremony held in Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. The event was graced by the presence of Shri R.K. Singh, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, along with Shri Pema Khandu, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Shri Chowna Mein, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The MoA was signed by Shri Biswajit Basu, Director (Projects) of NHPC, on behalf of the organization. Key officials from NHPC and the Power Department of the Arunachal Pradesh government were also present to witness the occasion.
Under the terms of the MoA, NHPC is set to spearhead the development of the 200MW
Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project in the Upper Subansiri distric and the 1800MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project in the Kamle district. The realization of these projects is projected
to infuse a substantial capital investment of approximately Rs. 43,000 crores into the state. Furthermore, the combined annual electricity generation from these projects is estimated to reach around 12,746 million units, contributing significantly to the state’s power supply. Apart from their energy contributions, the construction and operation of these hydropower projects are poised to deliver a host of socioeconomic benefits to the region. The projects are expected to generate a significant number of employment opportunities, thereby stimulating the local economy and fostering skill development and technical expertise among the local workforce.
Canada Manitoba Métis Federation and Manitoba Hydro announce revitalization agreement The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the
National Government of the Red River Métis and Manitoba Hydro are to address existing hydroelectric developments and work together on future developments following the signing of a Revitalization Agreement. “The signing of a Revitalization Agreement puts us on a new and long overdue pathway,” MMF President David Chartrand said. “It represents a positive step toward reconciliation and building a strong working relationship with Manitoba Hydro. Together, we are committed to working to build the energy future for all Manitobans in a sustainable way, by collaborating early on in planning and development to protect against adverse effects.” The Revitalization Agreement addresses the
adverse effects of Manitoba Hydro’s existing developments and operations on the Section 35 Constitution Act rights of the Red River Métis and establishes processes for working together on a range of issues related to Manitoba Hydro’s developments and operations, including on any future developments that may be undertaken by the Crown corporation. “While efforts to strengthen our relationships have been ongoing for some time, the signing
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