The ISI convened Sediment Management session with the IHA in Paris on May 15, 2019 during the 2019 World Hydropower Congress. Chaired by Dr. Anil Mishra, Programme Specialist of the UNESCO IHP, several experts were invited as panelists to made presentation and had discussions. The panelists include:

Mr. Luiz Henrique MALDONADO, Hydrometry Specialist, Itaipu Binacional;

Prof. Manfred SPREAFICO, Chairperson of UNESCO IHP ISI, Emeritus Professor, University of Berne;

Ms. Siri STOKSETH, R&D Manager and Dam Safety Coordinator, Statkraft AS;

Prof. George ANNANDALE, International Expert; and

Ms. María UBIERNA APARICIO, Specialist, International Hydropower Association

The importance of managing sediment in the context of climate change and integrated river basin development Hydropower has a prominent role in achieving the Paris Agreement. Reservoir and run-of-river hydropower projects provide low carbon energy production, stability and reliability to the electricity grid, and water services. Alteration in the sediment budget in the catchment, in particular sedimentation, undermines the capacity of the hydropower projects to deliver water and energy services in addition to the upstream adverse effects of delta formation and downstream scour. Sediment management contributes to maintaining storage capacity, reducing operating risks, and minimising river connectivity impacts. Implementing effective sediment management strategies is essential to extend the life of the project, to ensure a reliable and sustainable source of water and energy, and to maintain river connectivity.

Session objectives: Why is sediment management important to hydropower projects for delivering sustainable water, energy and other multipurpose services? What are the policy needs, regulatory challenges, financial incentives and initiatives to promote sustainable sediment management? This session discussed the importance of managing sediment in reservoir and run-of-river hydropower projects. Sustainable development and management of current and future projects are essential to deliver effective water and energy services in a context of increasing challenges associated with and exacerbated by climate change. After initial framing of hydropower operational challenges and sediment management at river basin scale, panelists focused on policy needs, regulatory challenges, financial incentives and initiatives that will promote sustainable hydropower and sustainable water resources development.