Free course

Online course overview

Hydropower projects can deliver low-carbon electricity, energy storage and wider development benefits, but they also interact directly with rivers, ecosystems and communities over long timeframes. This course introduces the five foundations needed to understand why sustainability matters in hydropower and how risks can be identified, managed and improved across the project lifecycle.

Through short lessons, videos and case studies, you will explore the high stakes of hydropower development, how ESG risks change from planning to operation, what “good practice” means beyond compliance, and how the Hydropower Sustainability Standard can support better project outcomes.

What you will achieve?

By the end of this course, you will be able to:


Understand why sustainability is critical in hydropower

Explore how environmental, social and governance risks can influence project success, financing, reputation and long-term performance.

Recognise key risks across the project lifecycle

Learn how risks and opportunities differ during planning, preparation, construction and operation.


Build a foundation for further HSS learning

Gain an introduction to good practice and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, preparing you for more advanced HSS courses and learning pathways.

Course curriculum

    1. Hello from your trainers

    2. Course objectives and structure

    3. Lesson 1: The high stakes of hydropower

    4. Lesson 2: Mapping risks across the lifecycle

    5. Lesson 3: Beyond compliance - defining good practice

    6. Lesson 4: Introduction to the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS)

    7. Lesson 5: Architecting your career and impact

    8. Closing survey

About this course

  • Free
  • 5 lessons
  • 1 hour of learning

Ready to begin your journey into hydropower sustainability?