João Costa

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As executive director, João is responsible for the strategic, financial and operational leadership of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance. He supports the Alliance President, leads the HS Secretariat and reports to the HS Governance Committee.

Prior to the foundation of the HS Alliance, João has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts within the International Hydropower Association, championing environmental stewardship and social equity in the sector. During this time, he successfully executed numerous international development projects, played a pivotal role in establishing a groundbreaking sustainability certification system, and spearheaded the foundation of the new HS Alliance.

João's expertise lies in fostering high-level engagement with development agencies, NGOs, financiers, and governments to advance the integration of sustainability principles in a just energy transition. His strategic approach involves embedding the HS Standard in financial mechanisms, industry processes, civil society expectations, and government regulations.

He continues delivering hands-on technical training through the HS Training Academy.

João holds an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Civil Engineering from Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon.