The IHA Blue Planet Prize will be awarded in 2017, and is open for participation. The award recognises hydropower projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainable development.

The IHA Blue Planet Prize is awarded on the basis of an assessment using the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol, a tool that measures the sustainability of a hydropower project across a range of social, environmental, technical and economic aspects.

The prize will be given to projects that demonstrate either excellence in sustainability in hydropower, or a significant improvement in sustainability practices in a developing country or region.

To be considered for the award, a project must undertake and publish an official protocol assessment before January 2017. To take part, you can find out how to get started with an assessment by contacting our sustainability team.

The winner will be judged by a panel of four experts selected by the IHA Board. Shortlisted projects not selected for the prize will be recognised as ‘highly commended’.

The announcement of winning projects will be made at the 2017 World Hydropower Congress.

The IHA Blue Planet Prize was previously awarded to six projects between 2001 and 2005, including the Andhikhola hydel and rural electrification scheme (Nepal), the Arrow Lakes power plant (Canada), the Sechelt Creek power plant (Canada), the Salto Caxias project (Brazil), the Palmiet pumped storage scheme (South Africa), and the King River hydropower development (Australia).

The award now returns after a hiatus during the development and roll-out of the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol. You can find out more about the protocol at www.hydrosustainability.org.