Larson, A. (2023, September 1). Accelerating Sustainable Hydropower Development Around the World. Powermag.com. Retrieved September 4, 2023, from https://www.powermag.com/accelerating-sustainable-hydropower-development-around-the-world/

 

The hydropower industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, as seen in the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower. Issued by the hydropower sector at the 2021 World Hydropower Congress, it emphasizes that only sustainable hydropower is acceptable, aiming for clean, green, modern, and affordable solutions to climate change. The declaration outlines principles, including net-positive benefits for communities and the environment, retrofitting non-powered dams, and assessing dams for decommissioning if they no longer provide benefits or have severe environmental impacts. It also calls for new hydropower projects to avoid World Heritage Sites and adhere to international good practices. Another initiative, the Bali Statement, aims to further promote sustainable hydropower’s role in sustainable development. The global goal is to expand hydropower capacity to support net-zero targets, but significant challenges and gaps remain in project development and pipeline expansion.

 

This focus on sustainable hydropower is very important in today’s society because it aligns with the need for clean and renewable energy sources to fight climate change. Hydropower has the potential to play an important role in transitioning to a greener and more sustainable energy mix. By emphasizing sustainability principles such as community benefits, environmental responsibility, and adherence to global standards, hydropower can contribute to a more environmentally conscious and sustainable energy future. This shift also emphasizes the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions and preserving natural locations, making it an important step towards a more sustainable and resilient society.