Hydropower projects around the world can now apply for funding to cover the cost of the certification assessment against the new Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

A fund of up to US $ 1 million provided by the Swiss government and managed by the nonprofit sustainability division of the International Hydropower Association is available for approximately 40 hydropower projects over the next three years.

The Hydropower Sustainability Standard is a labeling system that was launched during the 2021 edition World Hydropower Congress. Under this program, projects subject to independent evaluation and meeting minimum performance criteria are awarded a certified sustainable hydropower label.

The certification program has been supported by leading industry companies and international organizations, such as GE Renewable Energy, Hydro-Quebec, Voith Hydro and the International Energy Agency.

The fund will allocate a total of 1 million Swiss francs ($ 1.02 million) to 40 or more hydropower projects through 2023. Recipients will receive a grant to partially sponsor the cost of commissioning an independent evaluation of sustainability and demand for certification.

Joao Costa, Head of Sustainability at IHA, said: “Sustainable hydropower has a crucial role to play in tackling climate change and decarbonizing global energy networks. It is essential to ensure that future hydropower development is carried out in a sustainable manner, preserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems and improving the lives of affected communities.

“This fund can help hydropower developers and operators around the world improve the sustainability of their hydropower projects and generate the clean, green and sustainable hydropower needed to power the planet.”

Applications close on December 8, 2021.

In the selection of projects, preference will be given to projects seeking to access climate and green bonds, or for projects where the assessment aims to achieve certification against the sustainability standard for hydropower, as opposed to simply funding a performance assessment.

The fund is available for all projects at any stage of development and operation. Applicants will need to demonstrate a strong track record or commitment to sustainability and show that their project aligns with national or regional development policies.

The additional call for projects is now open to projects from the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malawi, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Peru, Rwanda, Serbia, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Learn more about the finance and apply today.

Note: The HESG Assessment Fund only co-finances the assessment, not the ensuing certification process.

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