The Hydro Equipment Association (HEA) has launched a blueprint to inform policymakers of what is needed to unlock the full potential for hydropower in the future energy mix.
The Global Technology Roadmap outlines five recommendation that policy-makers must address.
They are:
- exploit untapped hydro potential to develop a low cost, renewable and almost greenhouse gas free source of electricity;
- establish a framework that ensures a level playing field for all power technologies, that recognises the amount of carbon emitted by the respective technology and speeds permitting procedures for hydropower;
- facilitate hydropower development through public private partnerships, loan repayment terms that reflect the longevity of hydro projects, local training programs and streamlined licensing for refurbishment work;
- reward hydropower for the full value of the ancillary services it brings to the system; and
- embrace the “Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol” to ensure viable and responsible hydropower development.
HEA president Roland Münch said: “Mature yet modern, proven yet innovative, established yet full of potential this is hydropower as we know it.
“Hydropower has a key role to play in helping national leaders supply their citizens with clean, sustainable and reliable electricity.”
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