DEH Collaborates with Hydropower Sustainability Alliance to Boost Sustainable Practices in Hydroelectric Production

A new collaboration with the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) has been launched by DEH, aiming to integrate best international practices across its entire hydroelectric portfolio and accelerate the achievement of group goals. This partnership marks a significant step in DEH’s overall sustainability strategy to lead the energy transition in Greece and the broader region, emphasizing performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. As part of its efforts to speed up the full decarbonization of its energy mix, DEH is advancing ambitious plans to phase out lignite units while repurposing former lignite mines for major projects, including pumped storage hydroelectricity (PSH). In May 2025, top representatives from HSA visited DEH’s management team in Athens as part of the official launch of the collaboration. The visit included “Certified User” training for 32 employees, equipping them with the necessary tools to evaluate and improve the ESG performance of existing and developing hydroelectric and pumped storage projects using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS). A series of actions are planned for the remainder of the year, including self-assessments of selected projects and internal evaluator training. The collaboration also includes the formal assessment of one of DEH’s hydroelectric projects for certification under the HSS standard within the year. DEH’s General Director of Sustainable Development, Achilleas Ioakeimidis, stated: ‘DEH is transforming radically to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. We are fully committed to embedding the highest sustainability standards in every aspect of our operations. Hydroelectric energy plays a crucial role in our clean energy strategy, and adopting the HSS standard is a key step to ensure that our hydroelectric and pumped storage projects meet strict criteria regarding the Environment, Society, and Corporate Governance. Our collaboration with the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance supports our vision to lead the energy transition in Greece and Southeast Europe responsibly and transparently.’ João Costa, Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, said: ‘Our collaboration with DEH reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and the implementation of globally best practices in hydroelectric project development. DEH demonstrates leadership in the region by integrating excellent ESG practices into the core of all its operations based on the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. We are proud to support this journey through training, capacity building, and project assessments, and we look forward to seeing this ambition translate into tangible results.’ The Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) is a globally recognized framework for evaluating and certifying hydroelectric projects based on rigorous sustainability criteria. By adopting it, DEH aims to further enhance its position as one of the most responsible and innovative energy groups in Europe.