Two of the accredited assessors in the world work for ÅF

The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (“the Protocol”) is a framework to assess the performance of hydropower projects according to a defined set of sustainability criteria, encompassing environmental, social, technical, and financial aspects. 

The protocol examines four development stages of a project: Early Stage, Preparation, Implementation and Operation. Within each stage tool, a range of sustainability topics are covered.

The protocol was developed by a diverse multi-stakeholder group including prominent NGOs like the World Wide Fund for Nature, Oxfam and Transparency International, along with representatives from the public and private sectors, with the aim to provide clear, objective information about a project’s sustainability to interested parties.

Those who can use the protocol include energy companies, governments, NGOs and potential financiers, who want to have an evidence-based, independent assessment of a project. Whether seeking objective information for analysing risks, guiding development of new facilities, or understanding the sustainability performance of a particular project, the protocol is a useful tool.

To date, there are only nine accredited assessors in the world; two of them work for ÅF, Inger Poveda Björklund and Bernt Rydgren. ÅF’s team has a strong record of experience with the Protocol in different countries, and can assist with sustainability assessments of hydropower projects in any phase. 

Today Inger and Bernt work with five different projects. The Sava project on the Sava River (Croatia, Early Stage tool), the Kabeli-A project in the Kabeli River (Nepal, Preparation tool), The Etalin project on the Dibang River (India, Preparation tool), the Itaipu project in the Paraná River (Brazil/Paraguay, Operation tool) and the San Fransisco project in the Santo Domingo River (Colombia, Preparation tool). The total value of these assignments is approximately 1.2 million SEK, or app. 130 000 €.

For more information please contact Bernt Rydgren  or Inger Poveda Björklund.