JYC to Attend the 2015 World Hydropower Congress in Beijing
IFC CEO Jin-Yong Cai will join government and business leaders from around the world at the 2015 World Hydropower Congress in Beijing next month. He will facilitate a discussion among government representatives from Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa on the sustainable development of hydropower at regional and international levels.
“As China is a major player in hydropower development, it is a fitting host for the lively discussions we are anticipating on the future of the sector,” said Richard Taylor, Chief Executive of the International Hydropower Association. “One striking trend we are seeing is the increasing number of interested parties becoming involved in hydropower development. The congress is a unique opportunity to bring the key players together and build a global consensus, as support for sustainable development continues to grow.”
More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend the congress, in its fifth year, where they aim to devise a roadmap for global hydropower development over the next three decades that will optimize energy production, ensure the sustainable use of water resources, and reduce negative impacts on the environment and local communities. Other topics on the agenda include mitigating climate change, sediment management, and the water-energy nexus.
“The world population is expected to top 10 billion in 2050 and water insecurity is already a reality. We need to adopt the right approach to hydropower development immediately to ensure natural resources are developed in a sustainable manner,” said Kate Lazarus, Senior Operations Officer in charge of IFC’s hydropower development program in the Mekong.
At the congress, Lazarus will share experiences on the development of hydropower in Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar. As hydropower projects have capital-intensive cost structures and managing investments upfront is often a challenge, IFC will co-convene a session to present new options for project financing and structuring – a topic of interest for many developers. IFC experts will also discuss sustainability performance and investment and advisory opportunities in the sector.
In the Mekong region, IFC has been working with stakeholders, including the private sector and governments, and engaging specialists to promote sustainable hydropower to ensure that new projects adhere to international industry practices.
Click here to find out more about the congress and how to participate.
