A new leadership team has taken the helm of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), with newly elected President Roger Gill joining Chief Executive Eddie Rich. 

Rich, who took over from Richard Taylor on 9 September, presented to IHA's new Board the organisation’s strategy for the next two years. This will see IHA focus on research and policy, sustainability and sharing knowledge on the role of hydropower in the clean energy transition.

“With the demand for energy expected to double from 2015 to 2060, the world must look towards a sustainable, renewable mix of energy sources. IHA’s role is to advance sustainable hydropower by building and sharing knowledge on its role in renewable energy systems, responsible freshwater management and climate change solutions,” commented Rich.

During the Board meeting at Brookfield Renewable's office in London, the Board unanimously elected Roger Gill, an international consultant with over 40 years in the renewable energy sector, as President. He takes over from Ken Adams.

“IHA has steadily grown to become a platform of knowledge, with members operating in over 100 countries around the world. Our challenge is now to reach beyond the sector to help all stakeholders understand how hydropower can support the renewable energy systems of the twenty-first century,” Gill said.

A long standing Board member and Vice President of IHA, Gill is a company director for Pacific Hydro, a renewable energy development company owned by State Power Investment Corporation of China (SPIC).

Both Gill and Rich paid tribute to their predecessors: “I owe an enormous debt to Richard Taylor, the CEO of IHA who founded the organisation in 1995,” said Rich. “He has brought us so far with unparalleled passion, knowledge and skill. I look forward to working with him to ensure a strong and smooth transition.

“In addition, over the past six years Ken Adams has steadied the ship and provided a clear vision. We will miss his wisdom, experience and passion for the organisation and subject.”

Six IHA Vice Presidents were also elected by the Board:

  • Tammy Chu, Managing Director, Entura, Hydro Tasmania
  • Colin Clark, Chief Technical Officer, Brookfield Renewable
  • Gil  Maranhão Neto, Chief Strategy, Communications and CSR Officer, ENGIE Brasil
  • Óli Sveinsson, Executive Vice President Research and Development, Landsvirkjun
  • Christine Cantin, Senior Advisor, Relations Outside Québec, Hydro-Québec
  • Uwe Wehnhardt, President and CEO, Voith Hydro

 

The new IHA Board for 2019-2021