International Hydropower Association

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) addresses the role of hydropower in meeting the world’s growing water and energy needs as a clean, renewable and sustainable technology. With members active in more than 80 countries, IHA is a non-governmental, mutual association of organisations and individuals. Its membership is open to all those involved in hydropower.

IHA was formed in 1995 under the auspices of UNESCO as a forum to promote and share good practice and further knowledge about hydropower. IHA has a Central Office based in London, a regional office in South America and a national office in China. In addition, IHA has consultative and/or observer status with all United Nations agencies addressing water, energy and climate change.

The Association is governed by a Board. See here for more details on the IHA Board.

IHA Mission

IHA aims to advance sustainable hydropower’s role in meeting the world’s water and energy needs by:

• Championing continuous improvement and sustainable practices;
• Building consensus through strong partnerships with other stakeholders;
• Driving initiatives to increase the contribution of renewables, especially hydropower.
• Increasing awareness of the role hydropower can play in sustainable development as an important source of renewable energy
  

IHA Key Initiatives

• Sustainability;
• Energy;
• Water;
• Climate Change;
• Markets and Investment.

In addition, IHA pursues a range of initiatives on hydropower sustainability, including its work on the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol, an enhanced sustainability assessment tool to measure and guide performance in the hydropower sector. The Association is also addressing the possible role and contribution of hydropower to Climate Change mitigation and adaption through the UNESCO/ IHA GHG Research Project. One of IHA’s most active partnership initiatives relates to the International Renewable Energy Alliance, which brings together leading agencies representing bio, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind.

IHA Information Sheet
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