Hydropower Sustainability Training Academy

The Hydropower Sustainability Training Academy is the educational platform of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance. The Academy offers specialised training programs designed to enhance understanding of sustainability good and best practices based on the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. Participants will gain knowledge on sustainability practices, environmental and social impact management, climate resilience, and stakeholder engagement, helping to drive sustainable hydropower development worldwide.

By enrolling in our courses, you will:

• Gain practical knowledge of internationally recognised sustainability Standard.
• Learn from experienced trainers and industry leaders.
• Improve your capacity to implement best practices in hydropower development.
• Enhance your career prospects with a certificate of completion recognised by the global hydropower community.

Yes, we offer tailored training courses for organisations to address specific learning objectives, project requirements, or regional priorities. For example, this can include a training for company Executives and Board of Directors, government officials and policy makers, hydropower project teams, and financial institutions. Contact us at [email protected] and we can discuss your training requirements.

Our courses are open to professionals with all levels of experience in hydropower, including project developers, engineers, environmental and social specialists, government officials, consultants, and other hydropower stakeholders. No prior knowledge is required for our courses, making them accessible to anyone interested in sustainable hydropower.

The decision on which course is right for you will often depend on the organisation you work for and your career path.

Certified User training enables you to undertake unofficial assessments within your organisation. You can also prepare an organisation for an official assessment to be conducted by an independent Accredited Assessor, as well as lead on assessment follow up activities.

Accredited Assessor training enables you to provide commercial services using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, most notably conducting official assessments for external organisations.

We also provide courses on specific topics of the HSS, such as E&S and biodiversity for those who want to learn about international best practices in ESG and how HSS assesses these topics.

The decision on which course is right for you will often depend on the organisation you work for and your career path. If you need to discuss which course is best for you please contact our training team at [email protected].

We offer three flexible learning formats to suit different needs and learning preferences. The In-person Classroom format involves interactive, face-to-face learning at your company offices, provided upon request to fit your team’s schedule. The Virtual Classroom format is live, instructor-led training sessions tailored provided upon request for company staff across the globe. The eLearning include self-paced online courses with high-quality video lessons, activities, and downloadable resources designed to fit your schedule and learning style.

There is no difference! 

The same content and activities are covered in the virtual classroom as in the online course, and the same exam is taken. Both courses take approx 20 hours and on successful completion of both, you would become a Certified User of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

We provide comprehensive support to ensure your learning experience is smooth and enriching. Our courses are managed by a dedicated coordinator who is available to answer administrative questions and provide guidance throughout the program. 

You can connect with peers and instructors through interactive discussion forums, where you can ask questions, clarify course materials or share your own insights and ideas. For technical issues, our support team is available via email to assist with login problems, platform navigation, or other concerns. Additionally, you’ll have access to a library of resources, including downloadable materials, video recordings, activities and quizzes, to support your learning journey. We are here to help you succeed every step of the way. 

Yes, participants who successfully complete a course will receive a digital certificate of completion provided by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance. These certificates can be used for professional development and may contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits.

Not to worry, if you fail your first attempt at the exam, you will be able to resit the exam at a later date.

This is only relevant to Certified User training and the comprehensive HSS online course. For the rest (E&S, biodiversity, resettlement etc), there is no exam only a final quiz. 

Course fees vary depending on the course and learning format. Our eLearning courses, such as the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and Hydropower ESG courses are €500. The in-person trainings are priced at €1,200 for the Certified User training and €3,950 for the Accredited Assessors training.

To sign up, visit our Course Catalogue to select your desired course, then click the "purchase this course" button. Fill in the registration information and payment card details. If you have received a discount code, please make sure to input the coupon code prior to payment.

Yes, we are able to offer the following discounts:

• 10% discount for members of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance
• 20% discount on referrals 
• 25% discount for members of academia and participants from developing countries
• 30% discount for individuals who have purchased one online course, and would like to purchase further online courses
• 50% discount for full time students *proof will be required
• We also offer group company discounts for enrolments of 5 or more sign-ups.

For more information and to check if you are eligible for a discount, contact us at [email protected].

If you’re unable to complete a payment through the platform, we can arrange alternative methods such as bank transfers. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

Yes, we can provide an invoice for your payment. Please email [email protected] with:

• name of the course you would like to take
• your full name, organisation and job title
• banking information including tax ID/VAT/reg number

We will then send you an invoice for payment.

Yes, after completing your payment a standard receipt will be automatically emailed to you. If you don’t receive it or you would require a more detailed receipt, please, contact us at [email protected] to request a copy.

if you make a payment outside of the training platform, then also contact us if you require a receipt.