16 Jan 2017
Research Brief // Regional Organisations Promote Nexus Governance for Hydropower Along International Rivers
By Ines Dombrowsky and Waltina Scheumann. Many African and Asian countries are currently investing in hydropower in order to contribute to a low-carbon energy supply system. This is often done along international rivers, frequently by a single country, but sometimes even jointly by coriparian countries. Because hydropower plants are negatively impacted by upstream land and water use and can also have a detrimental effect on ecosystems and water and food security downstream, the water-energy-food nexus plays a key role in the planning of such facilities.
If the investments are made along international rivers, it is not only necessary to ensure coordination between the energy, water, agricultural and environmental sectors within the investing country, but often also with sector institutions in neighbouring countries in order to prevent the development or escalation of conflict between states. However, such inter-state, intersectoral coordination cannot be mandated but relies on voluntary negotiations. Nonetheless, it can be supported by inter-state organisations at regional level (regional organisations), such as international river basin commissions and regional energy organisations.