Bid to host the World Hydropower Congress 2029

Request for Proposals ‍

At a glance

Proposals open: 2 March 2026
Submission deadline: 29 May 2026
How to apply: Email - events@hydropower.org
Host announcement: 2027 WHC, Sydney, 6–8 April 2027

How to submit your bid

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) invites governments, convention bureaus, event management companies, and industry organisations from around the world to submit a proposal to host the 2029 World Hydropower Congress (WHC).

To begin the process:

Express your interest – email events@hydropower.org with a brief outline of your proposed city, venue (if identified), and lead contact name.
Receive the application form – IHA Central Office will respond with the full proposal form and guidance documentation.
Submit your completed proposal no later than 29 May 2026.

IHA membership is not a requirement to submit a bid. We welcome proposals from any eligible government body, convention bureau, tourism board or industry organisation worldwide.

Why host the World Hydropower Congress?

Hosting the World Hydropower Congress (WHC) is a unique opportunity to place your city, country, or region at the centre of the global conversation on sustainable energy and the clean energy transition.

Benefits for host countries and cities include:

International visibility – welcome 1,500+ delegates from governments, industry, finance, and civil society across more than 120 countries
Policy leadership – the Congress provides the stage for high-level policy statements and commitments that feed directly into COP climate summits and global energy frameworks
Economic impact – significant hospitality, tourism, and business activity generated for the host city
Diplomatic prestige – past hosts have included the governments of Türkiye, Indonesia, France, Costa Rica, China, Brazil, Iceland, Malaysia, and Ethiopia
Association with global sustainability goals
IHA global network access – direct exposure to the world's leading hydropower developers, operators, manufacturers, consultants, and energy financiers

About the World Hydropower Congress

What is the World Hydropower Congress?

The World Hydropower Congress (WHC) is the award-winning flagship eventof the International Hydropower Association and the leading global forum for sustainable hydropower and clean energy decision-makers. Held every two years in a different host city, the Congress brings together the individuals and institutions shaping the future of renewable energy worldwide.

Who attends?

The Congress targets 1,500 attendees over three days, drawingtogether:

Heads of state, ministers, and senior government officials
CEOs and senior executives from hydropower and broader renewable energy companies
Representatives from multilateral institutions including the UN, World Bank, IRENA, and IEA
Civil society and environmental organisation leaders
International energy finance and investment community
Energy transition policymakers and regulators from around the world

Past speakers have included HE Joko Widodo, former President ofIndonesia; HE Carlos Alvarado Quesado, former President of Costa Rica; MarkCarney, Prime Minister of Canada; COP26 President Alok Sharma; former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Helen Clark, and Malcolm Turnbull; Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA; and Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA – alongside hundreds of ministers, CEOs, and heads ofinternational organisations.

What does the programme include?

A typical World Hydropower Congress programme encompasses:

Plenary sessions with world-class keynote speakers and high-level policy announcements
Parallel technical and policy sessions on sustainable hydropower and renewable energy integration
Workshops on sector challenges and emerging opportunities
High-level bilateral meetings between governments, industry, and multilateral organisations
Exhibition and showcase area for sponsors, partners, and innovators
Gala dinner and awards ceremony celebrating excellence in sustainable hydropower
Networking receptions and business-matching opportunities
Pre- and post-Congress training and site tours to hydropower projects and cultural destinations

After the Congress, key policy deliverables and commitments are taken to COP climate summits and other global forums, extending impact wellbeyond the event itself.

Past host cities and countries

The World Hydropower Congress has been hosted across five continents:

In September 2025, IHA hosted the International Forum on Pumped Storage at UNESCO House, Paris.

The successful host of Congress 2029 will be announced at the 2027World Hydropower Congress in Sydney, 6–8 April 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Who can submit a bid to host the World Hydropower Congress 2029?‍

Any government body, national convention bureau, events company, or industryorganisation can apply. IHA membership is not required.

What is the deadline to submit a proposal?

The deadline is 29 May 2026. Email events@hydropower.org to express yourinterest and receive the full application form.

Is a financial contribution required to host the Congress?

No. Proposals may include pledges of financial or in-kind sponsorship, but afinancial commitment is not mandatory to submit a bid. See the full terms and conditions for details.

What venue size is required?

The main hall must accommodate 1,500 participants in theatre style, with 3–4 breakout rooms for 200–300 people, 10+ smaller meeting rooms, and at least 2,500m² of exhibition and catering space.

When will the 2029 host be announced?

The IHA Board decides by end of January 2027. The announcement will be made at the 2027 WorldHydropower Congress in Sydney, 6–8 April 2027.

What are the benefits of hosting the Congress?

Host cities gain international visibility with 1,500+ global delegates, diplomatic and policy prestige, meaningful economic activity, and a platform todemonstrate leadership on the clean energy transition – with outcomes feedinginto COP summits and UN energy frameworks.

Can cities outside established event markets apply?

Yes. IHA actively encourages bids from all regions.

What happened at previous Congresses?

‍Past events have takenplace in Antalya, Reykjavik, Iguassu, Kuching, Beijing, Addis Ababa, Paris, Costa Rica, and Bali, hosted by national governments and regional authorities. The 2027 Congress will be held in Sydney, Australia.

Contact Us

To submit an expression of interest or for any Congress-related enquiries: events@hydropower.org

We will respond with the full application form and supporting documentation.

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