The 2015 World Hydropower Congress has drawn to a close. Here we take a look at the highlights of the final two days of the congress.

The African Union Commission convenes the day two opening plenary

H..E. Dr Elham Ibrahim, African Union Commissioner for Energy and Infrastructure, spoke in the opening plenary on Africa: the future of hydropower on day two of the congress. The session explored the untapped potential for hydropower development in Africa, and the challenges in building partnership across boundaries.

Can we achieve 2050 GW by 2050 sustainably?

Jacob Irving, president of the Canadian Hydropower Association, spoke in the session on 2050 GW by 2050, which explored how world hydropower capacity might be doubled in the next generation.

How does hydropower fit into the water–energy nexus?

Marie-Jose Nadeau, chair of the World Energy Council (WEC), was among the speakers in the session on the water–energy nexus and how hydrpower fits into the picutre. A new WEC report produced in collaboration with IHA shows that hydropower is set to continue its strong growth rate.

The congress venue: integrating renewable energy

The World Hydropower Congress took place at Beijing's iconic Sunrise Kempinski Hotel at Yanqi Lake. The complex is powered by a complementary mixture of renewable energy sources. A solar photovoltaic system is applied to the main building’s roof, while a hydropower dam nearby on the lake is fitted with solar panels. Find out more here.

Ministers give perspectives on hydro development in Asia

In a session moderated by Ashok Bhargava, director of the Asian Development Bank's East Asia Division, government representatives from Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Loas provided an overview of development trends in the region, as well as a development bank insight from IFC.

The closing ceremony begins on Yanqi Island

The closing session of the congress took place in the spectacular Yanqi Island Conference Centre.

IHA vice presidents and committee chairs report on progress

During the closing ceremony, the vice presidents and committee chairs of the International Hydropower Assocation updated delegates on progress with the current work programme.

Li Jugen, CSHE, delivers closing speech

Li Jugen, vice standing president and acting secretary-general of the China Society for Hydropower Engineering, gave an animated speech at the closing ceremony of the congress.

Ten commitments for hydropower: congress pledges new actions

In his final address to congress delegates, IHA chief executive Richard Taylor outlined ten commitments that the association pledges to deliver following the discussions in Beijing. Read more here.

Congress organisers gather on stage

At the closing of the congress, the organising team was invited onto stage, including members of the IHA Board and staff, as well as organising partners and sponsors.

Delegates enjoy outdoor closing banquet

The final day concluded with an outdoor banquet and live entertainment, at the beautiful shores of Yanqi Lake.

The 2015 World Hydropower Congress is taking place in 19–21 May in Beijing, China. You can view the full programme here, or read about the topics on the agenda in our blog.