The 2023 World Hydropower Congress concluded with a resounding commitment to power sustainable growth as it welcomed participants from over 300 organizations and 43 countries, united by a shared vision of promoting sustainable hydropower.The President of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), Malcolm Turnbull, emphasized the critical role of sustainable hydropower in future energy systems, stating: "Sustainable hydropower is the backbone of future energy systems. The 2023 World Hydropower Congress provided an excellent opportunity for hydropower to demonstrate its crucial role in the journey to net zero. The importance of advancing sustainable hydropower in powering sustainable growth was underscored by His Excellency President Joko Widodo."
President Joko Widodo, the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, welcomed delegates to the World Hydropower Congress and expressed his commitment to the ongoing development of sustainable hydropower in Indonesia, saying: "I hope the World Hydropower Congress will help with international collaboration for sustainable hydropower to help develop a sustainable green global economy."
During the congress, a significant milestone was achieved with the launch of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA). This multi-stakeholder non-profit organization, governed by a combination of public and private sectors, focuses on enhancing transparency in the hydropower sector through its rigorous sustainability assessment, certification system, and robust capacity-building program.
The event also celebrated prominent figures and projects within the hydropower industry for their dedication to sustainable hydropower. Hydro-Québec's Eastmain-1 Development received the International Hydropower Association's coveted Blue Planet Prize, recognizing their work with indigenous groups and their Gold-level certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. Additionally, former IHA President Roger Gill and China Three Gorges Board Member Zhilin Wang were both recipients of the Mosonyi Award, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the hydropower community.
The 2023 World Hydropower Congress culminated with the release of the Bali Statement on Powering Sustainable Growth, highlighting the necessity of sustainable hydropower as the backbone of national strategies to foster thriving, low-carbon economies driven by clean, renewable energy. The statement provided four key recommendations to policymakers, focusing on planning for future energy needs, incentivizing sustainable hydropower development, accelerating renewables, and incorporating hydropower sustainability practices into government regulations and financial sector obligations.
The congress received essential support from sponsors and supporting partners, including PT KHN, China Three Gorges Corporation, Sarawak Energy, Andritz Hydro, CISPDR, GE Vernova, SPIC, Voith Hydro, Yalong Hydro, and Kalla Bukaka, all of whom shared their commitment to advancing sustainable hydropower and the global transition to cleaner energy solutions.
