IHA Blue Planet Prize
The IHA Blue Planet Prize is awarded to hydropower projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainable development.
The prize is awarded on the basis of an assessment using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, its achievement of good practice across all topics and whether it has undergone a public consultation.
The winning project is proposed by IHA Central Office, consulted with the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance and selected by the IHA Board.
The prize was last awarded at the 2023 World Hydropower Congress in Bali, Indonesia.
Information for applicants
For a hydropower project to be considered for the IHA Blue Planet Prize, it must have undergone an official assessment using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
Projects are judged by a panel of experts selected by the IHA Board. Shortlisted projects not selected for the prize are recognised as ‘highly commended’.
To be considered for the IHA Blue Planet Prize, projects need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- An official HSAP or HESG assessment must have been carried out after the preceding IHA Blue Planet Prize award ceremony.
- The project must have reached good practice across all relevant topics.
2023 Prize Winner
The 2023 IHA Blue Planet Prize was awarded to Hydro-Québec’s Eastmain-1 Development, with particular merit for their work engaging indigenous groups. The facility was the first to receive the Gold-level certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
IHA President, Malcolm Turnbull commented on Eastmain’s win: “We are delighted to award the 2023 IHA Blue Planet Prize to Hydro-Québec’s Eastmain-1 Development. The project has demonstrated a real commitment to transparency and good practice. We welcome Hydro-Québec’s passion for sustainable development and encourage all our members to pursue certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.”
Previous recipients
The IHA Blue Planet Prize was awarded to 10 projects between 2001 and 2023 in recognition of good sustainability practice:
- Reventazón hydropower plant, Costa Rica (2019)
- Blanda hydropower project, Iceland (2017)
- Andhikhola hydel and rural electrification scheme, Nepal (2005)
- Arrow Lakes power plant, Canada (2005)
- Sechelt Creek power plant, Canada (2005)
- Salto Caxias project, Brazil (2003)
- Palmiet pumped storage scheme, South Africa (2003)
- King River hydropower development, Tasmania, Australia (2001)
