The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) has launched a new How-to Guide on Hydropower Climate Change Resilience, providing a framework for assessing and managing climate risks throughout the hydropower project lifecycle.
The guide establishes a universal requirement for climate resilience assessment and risk management for projects seeking certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. It was introduced at the International Forum on Pumped Storage in Paris, during a session on “Enhancing climate resilience and water security,” hosted by the International Hydropower Association (IHA).
The resource outlines a tiered approach to resilience, including:
- defining key climate-related terms and metrics,
- conducting screenings, detailed assessments, and stress testing,
- managing climate risks at project, corporate, and system levels,
- aligning with international climate reporting standards.
It also highlights hydropower’s role in climate adaptation through flood retention, water storage, flow regulation, and flexible generation that supports renewable integration.
Martin Fuchs, Head of Hydro Consulting at AFRY Austria GmbH and lead author of the guide, said: “We wanted to create a resource that developers and operators can use at every stage of a project’s life. Whether it’s an early concept study or an existing plant in operation, the guide provides structured methods to identify risks and implement effective management strategies.
“By applying these approaches, project teams can safeguard performance and adapt to the realities of a changing climate.”
Alain Kilajian, Deputy Executive Director of the HSA, said: “Climate change impacts all hydropower projects, small and large. Increasing the resilience of these projects is crucial in ensuring their long-term viability.
“This guide is a big step forward in supporting that goal. It sets out clear, practical measures to help projects move from basic compliance towards good and best practice in climate resilience, aligned with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.”
Eddie Rich, CEO of the IHA, added: “Climate resilience is an essential component of hydropower development worldwide. When developed responsibly, hydropower is one of the most effective solutions we have for tackling the twin challenges of decarbonisation and adaptation. The most energy and climate resilient countries in the world are almost always those with significant hydropower.
“This new guide gives developers and operators the tools they need to strengthen resilience and ensure hydropower continues to deliver benefits for generations to come.”
The new guide replaces the 2019 IHA Hydropower Sector Climate Resilience Guide and incorporates updated methodologies, tools, and international references.
