The International Hydropower Association has been named International Association of the Year in the 2021 Association Excellence Awards.

The awards recognise the essential work that associations, trade bodies, unions and professional organisations conduct on behalf of their members.

The International Association of the Year award is given to an association working across borders that “offers the most exemplary representation, advancement or experience for its members”.

IHA was among six associations shortlisted for the prize at a ceremony on Thursday 7 October. Other nominees shortlisted included SolarPower Europe and Eurogas.

Accepting the award on behalf of IHA, Chief Executive Eddie Rich said: “This award recognises the International Hydropower Association’s efforts to pursue an ambitious agenda for the future of sustainable hydropower.  

“We are honoured to receive this accolade on behalf of our members who are everyday striving to provide sustainable, renewable energy as well as responsible water management for millions of people all around the world.”

The judges assessed entries against criteria including: success in advancing and achieving heightened public and international recognition for the aims of the association, proactive leadership and value demonstrated to the membership.  

In addition, IHA was a finalist in two communications and marketing awards categories: Best Digital Marketing Campaign and Best Association Newsletter.

Recent achievements

The award comes after IHA last month hosted the 2021 World Hydropower Congress in partnership with the Government of Costa Rica, which concluded with a landmark declaration, the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower.

IHA marked its 25th anniversary in November 2020. IHA’s entry covered achievements in 2020 included its response to Covid-19 and the establishment of a new International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower, all of which are captured in IHA’s Annual Report.

This latest award comes after IHA’s new website received three design awards from the CSS Design Awards in March 2021.  

View a timeline of IHA’s achievements between its establishment in 1995 and its 25th anniversary. Read testimonies from IHA’s members.