Former United Nations diplomat and Norwegian Environment Minister Erik Solheim is to help advance the role of sustainable hydropower, after accepting an invitation to join the International Hydropower Association’s (IHA) Board.

The leading figure in global development joins IHA at a vital moment as sustainable hydropower scales up to play a crucial role in the clean energy transition.

“Erik Solheim is just the type of Board colleague we need to help guide the work of IHA over the coming years,” says IHA President Roger Gill. “Erik brings to the table unparalleled high-level international experience, with a track record of catalysing positive change, and a proven record of delivering sustainability”.

Mr Solheim has enjoyed an illustrious career in the development sector, serving as the Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from 2016-18 and as the Chair of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development from 2013-16.

As Norwegian Minister for Environment and International Development from 2005-12, Mr Solheim demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, initiating a global programme for conservation of rainforests through landmark national legislations such as the Biodiversity Act.

Erik Solheim announced: “I am excited to join the Board of the International Hydropower Association. The world needs to develop a lot more hydropower. Together we will make sure it is sustainable.”

Currently, Erik Solheim is the President of Belt and Road Green Development Initiative in Beijing, senior advisor to the World Resource Institute and CEO of Plastic REVolution, an NGO committed to combatting plastic pollution. Additionally, alongside fellow IHA Board Member Malcolm Turnbull, Mr Solheim serves on the Board of the Green Hydrogen Organisation.

Mr Solheim joins IHA’s Board in a non-executive role on a two-year term, which began on 17 February.

Find out more about IHA’s Board.

Operating in over 120 countries, IHA’s members include leading hydropower owners and operators, developers, designers, suppliers and consultants. Around a third (450 GW) of global installed hydropower capacity is directly managed and operated by its membership.