International Hydropower Association

The International Hydropower Association was created under the auspices of UNESCO in 1995. During two decades as the voice of sustainable hydropower, the Association has been part of a remarkable journey for the sector: the world’s installed hydropower capacity has grown from 625 GW to over 1,000 GW, catalysing growth and development, and improving people’s lives around the world. 

The world is facing a water and energy crisis. Around the globe, 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean water, while 1.2 billion live without access to electricity. The dominance of fossil fuels in the global energy supply drives climate change, exacerbating these problems. With the global demand for energy expected to increase by up to 61 per cent by 2050, the world must look towards a sustainable, renewable mix of energy sources. Hydropower, the world’s largest source of renewable electricity, has an increasingly important role to play as part of a mixed energy portfolio in adapting to climate change. Development is challenging on many fronts. While the way forward for hydropower must be economically and technically robust, its footprint must be one that respects the environment and makes people’s lives better.

The vision of IHA is a world where water and energy services are delivered to all in a sustainable way. Climate resilience and adaptation are among their topics.