ONE YEAR
setting the standard
for hydropower sustainability
One year ago, on 31 October 2023, the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) was officially launched at the World Hydropower Congress in Bali. This moment marked the beginning of a global movement towards greater sustainability in hydropower.
The HSA was formed to unite various stakeholders under a single organisation, all driven by the same vision: to advance the sustainability of hydropower projects worldwide.
OUR Achievements in Year One
Demonstrable Sustainability
In the first year, 9 hydropower projects across 4 continents were assessed and certified, with 4 additional projects currently undergoing public consultation.
Embracing the Digital Ecosystem
The Hydropower Sustainability Training Academy launched its first-ever e-Learning course, providing accessible training opportunities for a broader audience.
Global Recognition
The independent assessment process for the Hydropower Sustainability Standard was recognised with the prestigious Global Award by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA).
Education & Capacity Building
We trained 356 individuals, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to enhance the sustainability performance of hydropower projects.
National-level Collaboration
We partnered with 3 national governments to embed the Hydropower Sustainability Standard’s principles into their national policies, bringing sustainability to the forefront of hydropower regulation.
Growing the Council
We welcomed 17 new members to our multistakeholder Council, broadening our perspective and bringing new energy to our mission.
What’s next?
The multistakeholder Working Group on Early Stage Decision Making was formed to develop HYDROSELECT, a tool for early-stage decision-making, which will be launched at the start of 2025. This tool will assess multiple project options, ranking them according to potential benefits and sustainability.
Developing an Industry Playbook
Expanding Access to Knowledge & Skill
We will expand its range of educational content to make hydropower sustainability knowledge more accessible to a wider audience. Through new e-learning courses, resources, and training tools, we aim to serve as the go-to source for reliable, practical insights on sustainable hydropower development, equipping stakeholders at all levels with the expertise they need to drive meaningful impact.
Continuing to Certify Excellence
We will continue our commitment to assess and, where possible, certify projects that exemplify good and best practices in hydropower sustainability. This ongoing effort not only highlights industry leaders but also encourages broader adoption of responsible practices across the sector.
Building Capacity at all Levels
Through donor-funded capacity-building programs, we will continue empowering communities, industry professionals and regulators with the skills and tools for responsible hydropower development. Our participatory approach fosters stakeholder ownership, strengthens ESG management, and aligns projects with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
