Our journey begins in the early 1900s when hydropower emerges as a beacon of progress, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution to meet the world's energy demands. At this time, sustainability concerns take a back seat to development aspirations, and the sustainability performance of hydropower projects goes largely unquestioned.

The 1980s mark a turning point as global environmental, social, and governance activism gains momentum. Alarmed by the potential adverse impacts of hydropower projects, projects around the world face delays and cancellations due to mounting concerns. This sparks a reevaluation of hydropower's role in development and a push for a deeper understanding of its environmental and social ramifications.

A defining moment emerges with the unveiling of the World Commission on Dams Report in 2000. This revolutionary report illuminates the intricate impacts of dams, encompassing hydropower, and unfolds a path towards sustainability. The strategic priorities outlined in the report would go on to shape the foundation of our very own Theory of Change.

The International Hydropower Association releases a set of sustainability guidelines, aligning with the strategic priorities outlined by the World Commission on Dams report. Two years later, an assessment protocol takes shape, designed to evaluate performance against these guidelines.

The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol is unveiled. Since its launch, it has been embraced by over 25 countries, guiding hydropower developers worldwide in adopting improved practices to enhance sustainability. In 2018, we introduce additional resources: an ESG gap analysis tool and a set of good practice guidelines, both aligned with the environmental and social standards of the World Bank Group.

A 90-day global consultation commences in November 2020, aimed at elevating the Hydropower Sustainability Tools to a global standard for sustainable hydropower. The outcome of the consultation leads to the birth of the Standard, formally launched by the Hydropower Sustainability Council in September 2021. The vision is clear: to make sustainable hydropower the new norm.

Building on this momentum, the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance comes into being as a non-profit umbrella organization. By uniting diverse groups under a single banner, the alliance aims to accelerate progress and collaboration, forging a future where hydropower stands as a beacon of sustainable energy for generations to come.

In its first year, the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance certified nine hydropower projects across four continents, trained 356 individuals in sustainability practices, and partnered with three national governments to integrate the Hydropower Sustainability Standard into policy. These achievements earned HSA the International Association for Impact Assessment’s (IAIA) Global Award.