Climate mitigation
The challenge
There is a clear and pressing need to eliminate uncertainty in quantifying the greenhouse gas footprint of reservoirs.
The greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of hydropower, in particular the emissions caused by the creation of a reservoir, has long been questioned in both scientific and policy spheres.
Up until now, there has been no consensus on how to quantify this footprint. The biochemical processes associated with the flooding of terrestrial land are very complex, and existing measurement techniques are both cumbersome and expensive.
This uncertainty has proved a significant obstacle in financing hydropower projects. There is an increasing need for policy-makers and decision-makers to better understand the GHG emissions of reservoirs.
Our strategy and action
IHA has led the way in developing a tool for reliably estimating the carbon emissions of hydropower.
Since 2006, we have partnered with UNESCO, the World Bank and leading research institutions, along with supporting members including CTG, EDF, Hydro-Québec, Landsvirkjun, Sarawak Energy and Statkraft.
We have taken a leadership role in advancing a common understanding of how GHG emissions arise from reservoirs, working closely with leading scientists.
This led, in 2017, to the launch of the GHG Reservoir (G-res) Tool for estimating net emissions from reservoirs from both before and after development. The web-based tool is publicly available online.
We offer assisted assessments using the G-res Tool as well as dedicated training for new users. We will continue updating and refining the tool as new empirical data and scientific insights come to light.
Our goal is for the G-res Tool to become the internationally recognised methodology to reliably estimate reservoir GHG emissions and allocate emissions to other services, including hydropower generation.
Recent activities
To learn more about our recent activities, read our Activity and Strategy Report for 2018-2019.
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Join the network
IHA’s Climate Mitigation Knowledge Network looks to build and share knowledge on the climate mitigation potential of hydropower reservoirs. Members can receive training, support services and assisted assessments using the G-res tool at a discounted price.
If you are an IHA member, you can join the Climate Mitigation Knowledge Network.
Hydropower Pro
IHA members can access the knowledge network in Hydropower Pro, our online member community.
In the online group, network members can connect with each other, exchange experiences and access essential resources, briefings and case studies.
For any questions, please contact IHA senior analyst Mathis Rogner at mathis.rogner@hydropower.org
Latest associated content
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India's Teesta-V hydro station an example of international good practice
7 August 2019
The Teesta-V hydropower station, in Sikkim in northern India, has been rated as an example of international good practice in hydropower sustainability, according to an independent report.
Type:News postDate:7 August 2019 -
IHA training on reservoir GHG emissions at HydroVision International
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) will deliver training for hydropower professionals seeking to assess and report reservoir greenhouse gas emissions, at HydroVision International.
Type:News postDate:12 July 2019 -
World Hydropower Congress concludes with clean energy and climate pledges
17 May 2019
Commitments underpin the renewable energy transition, manage climate risks and champion good practice
Type:News postDate:17 May 2019 -
Delegates share perspectives at 2019 World Hydropower Congress
The 2019 World Hydropower Congress opened in Paris on Tuesday with delegates sharing perspectives on the role of hydropower in helping countries achieve national priorities and bringing social, economic and environmental benefit
Type:News postDate:15 May 2019 -
IHA publishes activity and strategy report for 2018-2019
4 April 2019
The International Hydropower Association’s Activity and Strategy Report for 2018-2019 is now available online.
Type:News postDate:4 April 2019
