IUCN has historically worked on energy issues relating to the oil & gas sector, hydropower and traditional use of bioenergy. More recently, it has engaged in issues related to advanced forms of bioenergy, particularly biofuels, as well as renewable offshore energy options including wind, wave and tidal. Many projects are underway around the world aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of energy options and improving access to modern energy sources for the millions of people who lack it.
Action
Some examples of our work
Access to energy
IUCN works with rural communities from Mali to India and the Pacific islands to promote the sustainable harvest of biological resources, such as through vegetable oils, to meet their basic energy needs. With support from the governments of Italy and Austria, IUCN is working with six Small Island Developing States in Oceania by providing support in the development and implementation of environmentally sustainable energy policies and a number of renewable energy pilot projects, such as understanding the contribution of copra (a byproduct of coconut) as an energy source in Tonga.
Hydropower
Hydropower, ecosystems and livelihoods
While most hydropower potential has been fully exploited in developed countries, large growth is expected in developing countries. Through several resolutions, IUCN recognises the serious biodiversity, social and greenhouse gas risks associated with some dam developments, as found by the World Commission on Dams. IUCN works on projects throughout the world that demonstrate the importance of maintaining flows in all river systems, including those with dams and promotes tools to balance the environmental and social risks. In particular, IUCN gives focus to encouraging the hydropower sector to sustainably manage upstream watersheds and to implement environmental flows that maintain downstream ecosystems and the services they provide to people.
