The Renaissance of Hydropower? Showing political consideration for a renewable energy with high environmental and economic potential
Bucharest, 28 February 2012 The potential of hydropower and its impact on the environment were discussed at the 1st Hydropower Summit which attracted more than 280 participants from 21 countries to Bucharest on 27-28 February. His Excellency Mr. Laszlo Borbely, the Romanian Minister of Environment, highlighted the importance of the development of hydropower in Romania and in Europe. He also recognised the need for authorities to better inform potential investors on environmental conditions and committed to provide clarity and reduce administrative burdens. “Since the 18th century, hydropower has been one of the most reliable and costeffective methods to generate clean electricity accounting today for about 80% of total electricity production in Europe”, recalls Marko Gospodjinacki, President of the European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA). “It is also a domestic, affordable and multipurpose energy with a long life spin, so definitely the safest choice for possible investors”. However, concerns related to the coexistence of hydropower activities with nature conservation policies have put the hydropower sector under pressure in the last years. “There are unfortunately „black sheep‟ that need to be severely punished. But the whole hydropower sector should not be blamed. There are several examples of good coexistence of hydropower activities with their natural environment. They should be further promoted”, says the President of ESHA. “It should not been forgotten that hydropower plays a crucial role in meeting today‟s EU climate objectives not only per se but also because it can be easily combined with wind and solar. It is therefore important that more political consideration (including appropriate financing schemes) is given to hydropower which is sometimes nowadays badly perceived for purely ideological reasons of just because this sector is not a „new‟ enough”. “We ask public authorities to look at the facts and to set up clear conditions for the development of hydropower. This will both secure potential investors and ensure that environmental objectives are met”. The 1st European Hydropower Summit was successfully organised by ESHA and the Romanian company SUPERLIT. A second edition is expected in on or two years.