The development of renewable energies, including hydropower, strongly contributes to mitigate the negative impact on climate change resulting from fossil fuels use in electricity production. Addressing the sustainable development of hydropower, the International Hydropower Association has facilitated the constitution in 2010 of the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol ("Protocol") through a consensus-based process involving a large spectrum of stakeholders. The Protocol, which relies on tools for appraising the sustainability and guiding the performance of the sector, is met with growing favours internationally.

The project intends to support the rolling out and refinement of the Protocol and is structured into two distinct components: the first aiming at providing technical assistance and reinforcing the capacities of the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Council- the second being concerned with the application and subsequent refinement of the Protocol in Ghana as well as in a second SECO priority country.

The expected impact of the project is sustainable hydropower development and climate change mitigation.

Wider institutional outreach of the Protocol.

Increased and wider geographic spread of Protocol assessments, notably in developing countries.

Sustainable development of hydropower in Ghana and in the second country of project implementation.

Expected results:  

Efficient consultations between members of the Council consultative Chambers.

Improved access, reporting and analysis of Protocol assessments results.

Refined Early Assessment tool.

Sustainability profiles of potential hydropower sites in Ghana and in the second implementation country.

Hydropower stakeholders in Ghana and in the second implementation country trained on hydropower sustainability.

Phase 1 01.01.2014 - 31.10.2019   (Completed)