11 December 2019

Costa Rica has been announced as the destination of the next World Hydropower Congress.

The World Hydropower Congress is the leading global event in sustainable hydropower development bringing together decision-makers, experts and innovators to set priorities for the sector.

The congress will be held in San José, Costa Rica, under the theme ‘Renewables working together in an interconnected world’ under the patronage of the President of Costa Rica.

The announcement was made today by Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy, Hon. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, at a launch event at the UN climate conference (COP25) in Madrid, Spain.

Organised by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and supported by Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), the government run electricity services provider, the congress is a high-level, biennial meeting of governments, international organisations, financial institutions, research, non-governmental organisations, and industry.

Hon. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez said his government was delighted to bring the World Hydropower Congress to Costa Rica, a country which is powered by almost 100% renewable energy including around 80 per cent from hydroelectric generation.

“Costa Rica is a global leader in renewable electricity. Using hydro, wind, solar, geo and bio energy resources, Costa Rica has built a system that provides renewable electricity while ensuring social and human rights. These technologies will play a key role in the next phase of climate commitments under the UN Climate Convention. We are happy to share our experience with the region and the world, as we move away from fossil fuels and toward a net zero world by 2050,” the Minister said.

First held in Turkey in 2007, the World Hydropower Congress draws over 700 participants from more than 70 countries to agree priorities in delivering sustainable energy and water systems in the context of climate change. It represents a unique opportunity to share knowledge and insights on hydropower at the highest level.

Eddie Rich, Chief Executive of IHA, said: “With its strong commitment to hydropower and sustainable development, it’s hard to think of a better host for the 2021 World Hydropower Congress than Costa Rica. It seems fitting that they host the event that will put the focus on hydropower’s role in delivering a 100% renewable energy future in concert with other renewables.”

The last World Hydropower Congress was held in Paris, France, in May 2019, under the high patronage of President Emmanuel Macron. Delegates from 77 countries participated and the programme was organised in collaboration with some 50 partner organisations. The Report on the World Hydropower Congress is now available to download online.

Brigitte Collet, Ambassador for Climate for the Government of France, praised the commitment of Costa Rica to decarbonisation, as she formally handed over the mandate to host the World Hydropower Congress. “Costa Rica’s energy mix is truly remarkable. It is a real pleasure to hand over to your country. We believe the presidency of the World Hydropower Congress is in the best possible hands.”

Antoine Badinier from French hydropower operator EDF said his company was proud to have supported this year’s event in Paris. “The World Hydropower Congress that took place in May 2019 was a successful event for the global hydropower sector and a very special moment for EDF. On behalf of the company, I am glad to take part in this handing over ceremony to Costa Rica, and I look forward to participating in the 2021 World Hydropower Congress.”

Update July 2020: The World Hydropower Congress was originally scheduled for May 2021 but was rescheduled to September 2021 due to the impact of Covid-19    

(Brigette Collet Ambassador for Climate Government of France and Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Minister of Environment and Energy Costa Rica)

The World Hydropower Congress programme includes three main components: a core set of plenary sessions, deep-dive (parallel) sessions, networking and bilateral meetings. Key themes are:

• energy (innovation, storage and interconnections)
• water (multipurpose use and transboundary initiatives)
• climate (mitigation, resilience and adaptation)
• sustainability (tools, sector performance and standards)
• finance and investment (project funding and risk management)

Further information about the World Hydropower Congress and how to get involved is available at hydropower.org/congress

About IHA

With members and partners active in more than 100 countries, the International Hydropower Association (IHA) is a non-profit network of people and organisations working to advance sustainable hydropower.

Among its objectives, IHA seeks to create an open and innovative platform to share knowledge on hydropower’s role relating to energy, water and climate. By working with stakeholders around the world, IHA also advances strategies to strengthen the sector’s performance. For example, through the co-development of the Hydropower Sustainability Tools, which help to guide the sector and inform decision making.

Contact

World Hydropower Congress Secretariat
International Hydropower Association
Email: congress@hydropower.org

Media contact:

Will Henley
Head of Communications
communications@hydropower.org