IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025: qualified projects

Meet the 14 hydropower projects that have qualified for the 2025 IHA Blue Planet Prize. Each has been independently assessed against the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), demonstrating good practice or higher across multiple environmental, social, and governance topics.

The IHA Blue Planet Prize is awarded to hydropower projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainable development.

Gold certified projects

Fljótsdalsstöð Hydropower Project, Iceland

The 690MW Fljótsdalsstöð Hydropower Project is Iceland’s largest power station. Owned and operated by Landsvurkjun, the project was the first in Europe to be certified under the HSS, achieving Gold in 2025, demonstrating high performance across all ESG criteria. Previously assessed in 2017 under a predecessor tool, the project scored above 80% on the advanced-level requirements of the HSS on all relevant assessment topics.

Read the Fljótsdalsstöð project assessment profile

Jirau Hydropower Plant, Brazil

The 3,750MW Jirau Hydropower Plant on the Madeira River in Rondônia, owned by Jirau Energia, was South America’s first project to achieve Gold certification under the HSS. The project exceeded minimum requirements in all ESG areas, with outstanding performance in areas including governance and procurement, water quality and sedimentation, and cultural heritage.

Read the Jirau project assessment profile

Mai Beni Hydropower Project, Nepal

The 9.5 MW Mai Beni Hydropower Project achieved Gold certification under the HSS in 2024. The project meets advanced ESG requirements through dedicated on-site environmental and social teams, regular monitoring and strong community engagement. Located in the middle of a series of small run-of-river plants, it has a limited biodiversity impact, and has supported community initiatives, infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

Read the Mai Beni project assessment profile

Mascarenhas Hydropower Plant, Brazil

The 198 MW Mascarenhas Hydropower Plant in Espírito Santo, operated by Paraty Energia and co-owned with Victory Hill, was certified Gold under the HSS in 2024 – half a century after the project was first commissioned. The assessment showed strong ESG performance, with standout results in labour conditions and water quality. Under new ownership, the project has improved community engagement, clarified land tenure and launched habitat restoration, demonstrating how legacy assets can align with modern sustainability standards.

Read the Mascarenhas project assessment profile

Ngonye Falls Hydroelectric Project, Zambia

The 180 MW Ngonye Falls project in Zambia became the first African hydropower project to achieve Gold certification under the HSS. Assessed at preparation stage, it showed strong performance in labour, governance, community engagement and resettlement, with most displaced households expected to see improved living conditions. The project supports regional energy access while minimising environmental impact through careful planning and stakeholder consultation.  

Read the Ngonye Falls project assessment profile

Sebzor Hydropower Project, Tajikistan

The 11MW Sebzor project was the first in the world to be certified under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, following assessment and gap-closing actions led by its developer, Pamir Energy. The project achieved ISO 14001 certification and introduced new water sampling methods as part of a broader push to improve sustainability performance. Supported by the Hydropower ESG Assessment Fund, the project achieved Gold level by meeting advanced requirements in E&S management, water quality and community impacts.

Read the Sebzor project assessment profile

Silver certified projects

San Roque Multipurpose Project, Philippines

The 435 MW San Roque Multipurpose Project, operational since 2003, was certified Silver under the HSS in 2024. Located in Central Luzon, it provides vital services including power generation, irrigation and flood protection. The assessment highlighted strong labour practices, meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, and ongoing improvements in biodiversity and livelihoods. Developers are actively tackling sedimentation and water quality issues, while stepping up efforts to enhance environmental and social performance across the board.

Read the San Roque project assessment profile

Clyde and Roxburgh Hydropower Projects, New Zealand

The Clyde and Roxburgh hydropower projects, owned by Contact Energy, were assessed jointly and certified Silver under the HSS. The assessment highlighted strong environmental and social management, dam safety and climate resilience planning. Workforce transformation and cultural heritage initiatives are in place, while stakeholder engagement and Indigenous relations are established, with ongoing efforts to strengthen these further.

Read the Clyde and Roxburgh project assessment profile

Chorreritas Hydropower Project, Colombia

The 19.9MW Chorreritas project in northern Antioquia is under construction and has been certified Silver under the HSS. Owned by Energo-Pro, it has a minimal terrestrial footprint and strong biodiversity management, including wildlife rescue, habitat restoration and environmental flow measures. The project has made improvements in community consultation and labour practices, with ongoing efforts to offset ecosystem impacts through land preservation and reforestation.

Read the Chorreritas project assessment profile

Ituango Hydroelectric Project, Colombia

The 2,400MW Ituango Hydroelectric Project, developed by Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), received Silver certification under the HSS. It was recognised for strong biodiversity restoration efforts, including 17,000+ hectares of forest recovery, wildlife rescue programmes, and support for Indigenous and local communities. The project met all HSS baseline requirements and exceeded many advanced ones, including in emergency response and livelihood restoration.

Read the Ituango project assessment profile

Certified projects

Upper Chuwa Lurupya Khola Hydroelectric Project

This 110.2MW peaking run-of-river project, assessed at the preparation stage, met all minimum requirements of the HSS. It features strong plans to manage displacement, health and safety, and construction impacts. Indigenous Peoples' rights are being assessed as part of the project’s ESIA, with ongoing stakeholder engagement. The project will provide local employment, CSR benefits during construction, and long-term access to low-carbon power and transport.

Read the Upper Chuwa Lurupya Khola project assessment profile

Chuwa Khola Hydroelectric Project

Chuwa Khola, a 98.17 MW peaking run-of-river project, was assessed at the preparation stage, and met all minimum requirements of the HSS. As part of a cascade with Upper Chuwa Lurupya Khola, it includes strong plans to address displacement, health and safety, and construction impacts. Engagement with Indigenous Peoples is ongoing through the ESIA process. The project will deliver local jobs, CSR contributions, and long-term low-carbon energy and transport benefits.

Read the Chuwa Khola project assessment profile

Projects under certification review

Eletropalmor Project

Electropalmor is a pioneering community-led hydropower project in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada region. Developed in the 1980s through grassroots leadership and community labour, the small-scale plant has long supplied local energy needs. Today, a new partnership between the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance and CEERA aims to strengthen its sustainability practices and scale this model across Colombia.

Find out more about the Electropalmor project

Bakun Hydroelectric Project, Malaysia

Commissioned in 2014, the 2,400 MW Bakun project was acquired by Sarawak Energy in 2017. Since then, sustainability systems have been progressively strengthened. A 2024 assessment identified gaps in the environmental and social requirements under the HSS. In response, improvements were made to community engagement, water quality, dam safety, and ESG reporting.

Read the Bakun project assessment profile

Coire Glas Hydropower Project, United Kingdom

Coire Glas is the first pumped storage project to be assessed under the HSS. Its developers, SSE, have set a high bar with strong performance in labour conditions, governance and stakeholder consultation. Environmental and cultural heritage impacts have been carefully planned for, with detailed strategies for water and sediment management. While a few gaps remain – such as fish protection and cumulative impact assessment – these are manageable, and the project is well placed to support the UK’s net-zero goals.

Read the Coire Glas project assessment profile

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