The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is setting out an ambitious vision for the hydropower sector to address climate change in a sustainable way, in a draft declaration released today.

The San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower identifies a set of principles, recommendations and commitments to guide new developments and enhance the sector’s contribution to the energy transition.  

The publication consultation on the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower has now officially closed. You can see the latest version and developments at hydropower.org/declaration.

The Declaration has been shaped by proactive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and influenced by the outcomes of multiple forums, working groups and public webinars.

Organisations and individuals concerned about how hydropower can meet global climate and development goals are encouraged to provide feedback during this final public consultation phase. Those attending the World Hydropower Congress will have the opportunity to show their support for the Declaration upon its issuance.

The publication of the draft declaration follows a landmark report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) calling for policy and regulatory measures to incentivise and invest in sustainable hydropower.  The Hydropower Special Market Report concluded that “reaching net zero emissions by 2050 worldwide calls for a huge increase in hydropower ambitions”. The 2021 Hydropower Status Report is a stark reminder of how far behind the ambition we are at present.

IHA will present the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower to governments at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November.  

“The San José Declaration provides an opportunity for the sector to define for governments, for policymakers, for the community, exactly what the sector is prepared to do to ensure hydropower is developed sustainably throughout the 21st century,” said IHA President Roger Gill.

“We've put together a first draft of the San José Declaration, but we need your input, because it's your words we need to deliver to the decision-makers of COP26.”

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