Sebzor HPP Construction Project has achieved another remarkable industry recognition by successfully fulfilling the requirements of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and received the Gold Certification, according to Pamir Energy Company.
Sebzor HPP is reportedly also the first project globally, certified according to the International Hydropower Sustainability Standard, which was announced in March 2023.
“Sebzor Project’s achievement is a testimony that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is embedding sustainability in the development of hydropower,” highlighted Daler Juma, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan. “Adherence to such high benchmarks in sustainability has been possible due to the continuous support and commitment of our development partners – the European Union and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. The certification process has already yielded notable and practical benefits for the project.”
“We are honored to receive this high recognition which has been a joint effort and immense commitment of the Pamir Energy team and our financing partners. We are also very thankful for the International Hydropower Alliance and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs – SECO for their support in the assessment and certification of the project,” said Amrikhon Raimov, General Director of Pamir Energy. “Governed by the multi-stakeholder Hydropower Sustainability Council, the Standard is the internationally recognized benchmark for sustainability in hydropower development. It is a rigorous and independent framework that evaluates and certifies hydropower projects against various environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. By aligning their projects with the HSS, developers ensure adherence to the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower which says that “going forward, the only acceptable hydropower is sustainable hydropower”.
The Standard also helps companies access finance by aligning with the World Bank and IFC sustainability frameworks, the Climate Bonds Initiative, and Renewables credits.
Pamir Energy Company says the Sebzor project is being implemented jointly with the Government of Tajikistan under financial and technical support from the European Union and the German Government through German Bank KFW. The project showcases the benefits sustainable hydropower can bring to both a country and its people, reconciling the need to meet energy demand and ensure net-positive outcomes for surrounding communities and ecosystems.
