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Session Report Cover Sheet
SESSION CODE: ENER - 01
Name of Convener(s): Richard Taylor
DATE:
Session Title: First International Summit on
16 - March, 2003
Sustainable use of Water for Energy
Accommodation: Tokyo Tower Hotel
Contact information
Contact No.: 090 614 016 07
in Japan
Contact E-mail:
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Session Report
SESSION CODE: ENER - 01
Reporter/Rapporteur: Alison Bartle
Contact E-mail :
1. Key Issues

It is not possible to meet future energy needs for the developing world without storage schemes,
which as well as providing clean renewable energy, help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by limiting thermal generation. They can provide multipurpose benefits such as water supply,
irrigation water, flood control, improved navigation, recreation. They can thus help to achieve a
number of Millennium Development Goals, especially poverty alleviation. Great potential exists
in the developing countries, which have the greatest needs.
Key quote: “Hydro is one of the most reliable renewable energies and exists abundantly in the
developing countries” S. Aki, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan.

As shown in the case studies from Nepal, Brazil and Japan, hydro plays a key role in social and
economic development. Other reports, from Australia and Iran, highlight its synergy with other
energy sources.

Energy must be provided in a sustainable way, and fairly when policy decisions are made.

Social aspects, particularly resettlement issues, have in the past given hydropower a bad
reputation. There is a general lack of public awareness on the benefits of hydropower, and on
steps which can be taken today to mitigate or compensate for negative impacts.
Communications must be improved.

In response to the anticipated impacts of climate change, there may be a need to re-assess
hydrological data and increase reservoir capacity.

It is difficult to attract private investment for hydropower development, and to optimize the
allocation of risks.
2. Actions

Finalize IHA Sustainability Guidelines, now in draft form (IHA).

Further research on financing methods, focusing particularly on private/public partnerships (IHA
Finance Committee and others).

Further research on climate change (IHA, WMO, IPCC and others)

Continue to offer incentives for best practice (eg, Blue Planet Prize - IHA)

Continue work on quantifying economic values for indirect benefits and costs (World Bank ‘Economic Multipliers of Dams’)
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3. Commitments

Encourage best practice and document successful cases, to lead by example, and increase
awareness of the benefits of hydro.

Increase knowledge on climate change.

Increase awareness of the benefits of hydropower.
4. Recommendations

The remaining technically and feasible hydropower potential should be harnessed to the
maximum possible extent, together with other renewable energy sources, to limit fossil-fuel
based generation as much as possible.

Efforts should be made to develop the maximum power from the minimum flooded area, and to
minimize social and environmental impacts. Key quote: “Not no dams, but no bad dams”
Minister of Water Resources, HM Government of Nepal.

Stakeholders should be involved as far as possible in the planning process, and local people
should be direct beneficiaries of hydro projects.

Dialogue should be sought with local NGOs when this can be constructive (following the
example described of COPEL/CRABI, Brazil).

Projects should be prioritized where consensus can be reached among stakeholders.

New financing methods should be developed and implemented with appropriate allocation of
risks and rewards. Key quote: “The way forward includes wider recognition of the full value of
hydropower, imaginative public/private partnership and enhanced support from multilateral
development banks.” J-M Devernay, Chairman, IHA Committee on Finance and Economics.
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