In an effort to enhance sustainable hydropower initiatives on a global scale, the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and the China Institute of Water Resources (IWHR) have entered into a cooperative agreement this month.

Over the past two decades, China has been at the forefront of hydropower capacity expansion, responsible for more than two-thirds of the world's newly installed capacity. This achievement has positioned China as a leading nation in the hydropower sector, with a capacity nearly two and a half times that of any other country. As the rest of the world grapples with the imperative of increasing hydropower capacity to meet rising energy demands, many nations are turning to China for guidance, technological expertise, and investment.

The IHA plays an important role in facilitating global collaboration, and its partnership with IWHR underscores its commitment to sustainable hydropower development across the world.

As part of this agreement, IWHR will continue to serve as the host for the IHA China National Office, strengthening the ties between the two organizations and improving the representation of China's experience and priorities within the global community.

The collaboration will encompass various areas, including membership, advocacy, communications, data collection, sustainability, and support for the 2023 World Hydropower Congress. This memorandum also marks an opportunity to expand the application of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard within China and in Chinese overseas investments. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to commitments to protect World Heritage Sites, as outlined in the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower.

Eddie Rich, IHA CEO, commented on the agreement, acknowledging China's significant role in advancing the hydropower sector: " China is the pre-eminent hydropower country and has done more to advance its role in meeting its net zero targets than any other country. Chinese companies are helping other countries deliver on their necessary capacity increases to global net zero goals and clean energy and water needs. This partnership with IHWR showcases IHA’s dedication to sustainable hydropower in China and beyond."

IWHR expressed their commitment to working with the IHA to include Chinese stakeholders in global advocacy efforts, highlighting the shared objective of advancing clean energy initiatives worldwide.