The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance has introduced the Hydropower Sustainability ESG Assessment Fund, aimed at assisting hydropower developers and operators in evaluating their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
Throughout 2024, the fund will distribute a total of 250,000 Swiss Francs to support over 10 projects in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Funded by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the initiative covers up to 50% of assessment costs, capped at 25,000 Swiss Francs per project.
The fund supports independent assessments using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, excluding costs related to construction, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, or similar expenses. These assessments involve site inspections, document reviews, and stakeholder interviews, resulting in a report outlining compliance with sustainability practices and identifying gaps.
HS Standard assessments are crucial for demonstrating sustainability commitments to stakeholders and are necessary for obtaining climate-aligned financial mechanisms and certifications. Projects under preparation, development, or operation in eligible countries can apply by submitting a proposal, budget, and assessor quotation. Selection criteria include project location, assessment purpose, alignment with sustainability goals, and readiness.
For more information and application details, visit https://www.hs-alliance.org/hesg-fund
