IHA Blue Planet Prize
The IHA Blue Planet Prize is awarded to hydropower projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainable development.
The prize is awarded on the basis of an assessment using the Hydropower Sustainability Tools, internationally recognised tools to measure the sustainability of hydropower projects across a range of social, environmental, technical and economic aspects. The tools were developed through cross-sector consensus and are governed by a multi-stakeholder body that includes governments, environmental and social NGOs, commercial and development banks, and industry.
The prize was last awarded at the World Hydropower Congress in May 2019 in Paris, France.
Information for applicants
For a hydropower project to be considered for the IHA Blue Planet Prize, it must have undergone an official assessment using the Hydropower Sustainability Tools.
Projects are judged by a panel of experts selected by the IHA Board. Shortlisted projects not selected for the prize are recognised as ‘highly commended’.
To be considered for the IHA Blue Planet Prize 2021, projects need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- An official HSAP or HESG assessment must have been carried out after the preceding IHA Blue Planet Prize award ceremony.
- The project must have reached good practice across all relevant topics.
- The assessment report must have been completed, published and undergone a 60-day public consultation period by the end of July 2021.
2019 prize winner
The 2019 IHA Blue Planet Prize was awarded to the Reventazón Hydropower Plant in Costa Rica, built and operated by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE).
Reventazón is the largest hydropower project in Central America with 305.5 megawatts of installed capacity. Read more.
Previous recipients
The IHA Blue Planet Prize was awarded to eight projects between 2001 and 2019 in recognition of good sustainability practice:
- Reventazón hydropower plant, Costa Rica (2019)
- Blanda hydropower project, Iceland (2017)
- Andhikhola hydel and rural electrification scheme, Nepal (2005)
- Arrow Lakes power plant, Canada (2005)
- Sechelt Creek power plant, Canada (2005)
- Salto Caxias project, Brazil (2003)
- Palmiet pumped storage scheme, South Africa (2003)
- King River hydropower development, Tasmania, Australia (2001)
