New guide sets out best practice for climate resilience in hydropower development
The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance has launched a new How-to Guide on Hydropower Climate Change Resilience, outlining good and best practice for assessing and managing climate risks across the hydropower project lifecycle.
The guide sets out a universal requirement for climate resilience assessment and climate risk management for all projects seeking certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
It was officially launched today in a session on “Enhancing climate resilience and water security” at the International Forum on Pumped Storage in Paris, hosted by the International Hydropower Association.
What does the Climate Resilience How-to Guide include?
The new resource provides a structured, tiered approach to assessing climate resilience, covering:
Understanding climate change issues – defining key terms, criteria, metrics and factors influencing project resilience.
Assessment of climate resilience – from preparation and initial screening to detailed assessments and climate stress testing.
Management of climate risks – strategies at project, corporate and system levels.
Alignment with international standards for corporate reporting on climate risks and sustainability.
It also highlights the role of hydropower in supporting climate adaptation at a system level, providing services such as flood retention, water storage, flow regulation and flexible generation to support the integration of other renewables.
Why is climate resilience important for hydropower projects?
Hydropower projects are exposed to increasing risks from floods, droughts and other climate-related hazards. At the same time, projects that are well planned and operated play a critical role in both reducing emissions and supporting societies to adapt to a changing climate.
Martin Fuchs, Head of Hydro Consulting at AFRY Austria GmbH and lead author of the guide, said: “We wanted to create a resource that developers and operators can use at every stage of a project’s life. Whether it’s an early concept study or an existing plant in operation, the guide provides structured methods to identify risks and implement effective management strategies.
“By applying these approaches, project teams can safeguard performance and adapt to the realities of a changing climate.”
Alain Kilajian, HSA, speaking at the launch of the guide during the International Forum on Pumped Storage
Alain Kilajian, Deputy Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, said: “Climate change impacts all hydropower projects, small and large. Increasing the resilience of these projects is crucial in ensuring their long-term viability.
“This guide is a big step forward in supporting that goal. It sets out clear, practical measures to help projects move from basic compliance towards good and best practice in climate resilience, aligned with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.”
Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association, welcomed the new guide: “Climate resilience is an essential component of hydropower development worldwide. When developed responsibly, hydropower is one of the most effective solutions we have for tackling the twin challenges of decarbonisation and adaptation. The most energy and climate resilient countries in the world are almost always those with significant hydropower.
“This new guide gives developers and operators the tools they need to strengthen resilience and ensure hydropower continues to deliver benefits for generations to come.”
The guide replaces the 2019 IHA Hydropower Sector Climate Resilience Guide and brings together updated methodologies, practical tools and international references.
You can download the guide here.
