Crucial Guidance for Sustainable Renewable Energy Transition Launched by the International Association for Impact Assessment

The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) today announced the release of a groundbreaking guidance document aimed at ensuring the global transition to renewable energy is both rapid and sustainable. Titled "Improving Decision-Making for the Energy Transition: Guidance for Using Strategic Environmental Assessment," this comprehensive resource provides governments and decision-makers with a roadmap for implementing best practices in renewable energy planning.

As the world urgently shifts away from fossil fuels to combat climate change, the need for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has never been more critical. Without proper foresight, the renewable energy transition risks unintended consequences, including environmental damage, economic disruption, and social inequities.

The guidance covers a wide range of renewable energy sectors, including hydropower, wind, solar, bioenergy, geothermal, tidal, and green hydrogen, each with its own dedicated chapter. It also addresses critical issues such as the retirement of coal-fired power stations and the development of supporting infrastructure.

"This guidance on SEA plays a vital role in promoting responsible development of renewable energy projects, striking a balance between ecological integrity and economic progress," said Kate Lazarus, Senior ESG Advisory Lead, Asia Pacific at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). "Early and strategic siting of infrastructure is of utmost importance in minimizing environmental and social impacts. We firmly believe that well-informed decision-making is the cornerstone of transitioning to renewable energy, and this guidance can empower multi-stakeholder platforms to navigate complexities with confidence making effective use of data and innovation."

The IAIA Guidance outlines how Strategic Environmental Assessment can:

• Protect the environment, nature and society from negative impacts.
• Reduce costs and delays in renewable energy implementation.
• Build credibility and alignment with international treaties.
• Attract investors and donors by incorporating environmental and social safeguards.

Bruce K. Dunn, Director of Policy and Technical Services at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), praised the initiative: "ADB commends IAIA for producing this important guidance document on SEA for renewable energy. Strategic environmental and social assessment is a key tool for improving decision-making on energy options and alternatives and should be promoted to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development outcomes. ADB looks forward to sharing and promoting the guidance with our staff and developing member countries and clients."

IAIA, with over 40 years of experience and more than 5,000 members and affiliates worldwide, developed this guidance in partnership with leading experts and organizations in the field of impact assessment and sustainable development. Authored by IAIA members Barry Dalal-Clayton and Miles Scott-Brown, the Guidance document was made possible by the technical and financial support of Asian Development Bank (ADB), Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment (NCEA), and the Government of Norway. Numerous IAIA members and external parties also participated in the peer review process.

"We view this guidance as an essential primer in delivering national and regional energy planning decisions," commented Gary Baker, CEO of IAIA. "We are keen to engage in training workshops, and we invite policymakers and planning authorities to share their experiences implementing the guidance. Sharing best practices across jurisdictions can ensure that the transition to renewable energy alternatives is indeed sustainable".

For more information or to provide feedback, please contact IAIA at [email protected].

About IAIA

The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) is the leading global network on best practice in the use of impact assessment for informed decision-making regarding policies, programs, plans, and projects. Its vision is “a just and sustainable world for people and the environment.” For more information, visit www.iaia.org.

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