IEAHydropower

Annex III - Environmental and Social Aspects
of Hydropower

In Phase 2 (1995-2000) a working group of 9 countries (Canada, China, Finland, France, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) formed Annex III and divided into sub-task groups to collect and analyse information on the environmental and social effects of hydropower.

  • Subtask 1 carried out an international survey on the management of the environmental impacts of hydropower
  • Subtask 2 prepared the database required to integrate the results of the survey
  • Subtask 3 proceeded with the comparison of the environmental impacts of electricity generating options
  • Subtask 4 studied the legal and regulatory processes associated with hydropower
  • Subtask 5 provided the synthesis of the Annex III work and presented the International Recommendations on Hydroelectricity and the Environment
  • Subtask 6 analysed environmental impacts and mitigation measures associated with hydropower

The study was conducted over a five-year period by government regulatory organizations, research organizations, and utilities in six member countries (Canada, Finland, Japan, Norway, Spain and Sweden). More than 100 international experts from 16 different countries participated in related meetings and workshops. The study noted that environmental and social impacts of hydropower projects are very different from one project to another. It concluded that in spite of the controversy related to a few projects, hydropower in general presents major environmental advantages because it is the largest contributor to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the electricity sector

The resulting set of reports can be read or downloaded from this site.

The objectives of this study were to produce a set of international recommendations and criteria for improving the environmental management of hydropower. These objectives extended to developing the information base required for making environmental comparison between hydropower and other forms of electricity production.


Centrale Rapide

This report describes the general characteristics of different ways of producing electricity in terms of their environmental impact. The scope of the study covers hydropower, coal, natural gas, biomass fuels, nuclear and wind power. A life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology was used to compare different options, as well as other means.

A survey and analysis of the way in which the process of environmental impact assessment is implemented in seventeen countries and/or regions. Contributions to the survey were also received from the Legal group of UNIPEDE/EURELECTRIC, and the World Bank. The report focuses on four areas(i) the environmental impact assessment and licensing process, its problems and best practices, (ii) principles of international environmental laws and sustainable development, (iii) analyses, findings, and assessment of legal mechanisms, and ethical considerations, and (iv) recommendations to improve existing practices and regulatory frameworks.

This report reviews processes and conditions which make hydroelectric projects environmentally and socially acceptable, identifies international best practices, and proposes a set of recommendations on hydroelectricity and the environment in relation to energy policy frameworks; stakeholders and the decision-making process; the application of environmental and social criteria when comparing project alternatives; improving environmental management of hydropower plants; and sharing benefits with local communities.

The report is in three volumes:


The report presents mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures associated with approximately 130 projects. The information is based on actual case studies and on the experience of practitioners and environmental professionals involved with the hydropower industry.