Developer support
Environmental and social support for hydropower developers
We help hydropower developers build the environmental and social capability that lenders expect, so that due diligence confirms a well-managed project rather than uncovering a long list of gaps.
Strategy, management systems, terms of reference and team design, aligned with the IFC Performance Standards.
What it includes
Getting projects finance-ready
Developers that invest early in environmental and social management usually reach financial close faster, with fewer conditions attached.
Strategy and roadmap
An E&S strategy and a roadmap of deliverables to financial close, aligned with the lenders you expect to approach.
Terms of reference
Terms of reference for the ESIA and specialist studies, and support in selecting the consultants to deliver them.
Management systems
An environmental and social management system and plans that meet IFC Performance Standard 1 and work on site.
Team design
E&S organisation, job descriptions and capacity building for the project company’s own team.
On-site support
Secondments during construction to raise environmental management to international standards and close out commitments.
Design optimisation
Downstream flow regime and environmental flow studies that balance environmental, social and economic objectives.
When you need it
When developers bring us in
- Early in development, before the ESIA is commissioned
- Preparing for lender due diligence
- After ESDD, to deliver the Environmental and Social Action Plan
- Mid-construction, when environmental and social commitments are slipping
Riverbank interviews, Mozambique
Our approach
Seen from the lender’s side
Having led due diligence for lenders, we know what they will look for, and we help developers prepare for it.
Our advice is practical: what to do, in what order, and what it will take.
Standards
What we assess against
- IFC Performance Standards and the World Bank Group EHS Guidelines
- The safeguards of the development banks and commercial lenders involved
- National environmental and social requirements
- The Hydropower Sustainability Standard, where certification is an objective
Relevant experience
Developer support experience
Mphanda Nkuwa HPP, Mozambique
EDF
Document review, terms of reference, the project’s E&S strategy, and job descriptions for the future E&S team, aligned with the IFC Performance Standards.
Shuakhevi HPP, Georgia
187 MW · AGL
Two-month site secondment during construction: a new ESMS, local capacity building and close-out of commitments to government and lenders.
Ngonye HPP, Zambia
180 MW run-of-river · EleQtra
Owner’s engineer review of the downstream flow regime, optimised for environmental, social and economic objectives.
See our full record of developer and lender work.
Next step
Preparing a project for finance?
Tell us where the project is and which lenders you expect to approach. We’ll set out what they are likely to require and how to get there.
