Jakarta – Indonesia will host the World Hydropower Congress (WHC) from 31 October to 2 November 2023 in Nusa Dua, Bali. WHC is an biannual agenda held by the International Hydropower Association (IHA).
This year, WHC carries the main theme “Powering Sustainable Growth”. The congress will discuss efforts to promote renewable energy and develop future industries through hydroelectric power, handling environmental and social issues, as well as building climate resilience to overcome frequent droughts and floods.
“This congress is a flagship activity for decision makers inside and outside the hydropower industry to help ensure energy security and achieve global net zero emissions,” said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Arifin Tasrif in through a written statement, earlier this week.
The event is targeted to be attended by heads of state, CEO’s, investors, civil society leaders, international financial institutions, and global media, from more than 100 countries. At the congress, Arifin said, state leaders will provide high-level policy statements, recommendations and commitments that affect the sustainable global growth of hydropower. The results of this congress will be brought to the next UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP).
Indonesia will have strategic benefits as the host of the WHC, as the congress can be a promotional step to attract investors for the development of sustainable Indonesian hydroelectric power plants. Equally important, this activity is an effort to convey the Indonesian Government’s commitment to net zero emission, and to position it as a leader in advancing sustainable hydroelectric power plants to stop the use of coal.
The Chief Executive Officer of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Eddie Rich said the background of IHA placing Indonesia as a top priority for hosting the congress because it has shown strong leadership and commitment to a sustainable energy transition, including plans to use the large potential of hydropower. and other renewable energy to boost its economic development.
WHC has been held eight times since 2007, namely in partnership with Turkey (2007), Iceland (2009), Brazil (2011), Malaysia (2013), China (2015), Ethiopia (2017), France (2019), and Costa Rica (2021). (Hartatik)
