25 Years of Putting People and the Environment First in Hydropower.

Hundreds of Projects. One Shared Standard.

Together, We've Powered 25 Years of Progress.

 

Over the past 25 years, LIHI has certified hundreds of hydropower projects across the country—helping to set the standard for clean energy that safeguards our rivers and wildlife. As we mark our 25th anniversary, we celebrate the stories, partnerships, and shared success that brought us here—and invite you to help write the next chapter in sustainable energy.


Impact at a Glance

325
facilities certified since LIHI's founding
24
states with certified projects
16
million MWh of certified low-impact hydropower annually
1235
miles of rivers protected or restored

Delivering Value to LIHI Certificate Holders

Our Shared Journey

1998
LIHI Logo

Founding of LIHI – The Low Impact Hydropower Institute is…
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1999
Mother Ann Lee Project, LIHI #24

LIHI Officially Launches its Certification Program – LIHI develops and…
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2000

First LIHI Certificate is Issued – The Stagecoach facility in…
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2003

Program Growth – As the certification program expands, gaining recognition…
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2010

10 Year Milestone – LIHI celebrates 10 years with an…
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2014

Standard Updates – Incorporating revisions to reflect new scientific knowledge…
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2016
Certification Image

2nd Edition of the Handbook is Released – Following national…
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2020

20 Year Review – LIHI celebrates two decades of promoting…
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2022
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Handbook Revision 2.05 Goes Into Effect – The base certificate…
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2023

LIHI Achieves a Momentous Milestone – LIHI certified its 200th…
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2025
25 Year Anniversary Logo

Today and Beyond – As LIHI approached the 25th anniversary…
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Be a Part of the Future of Hydropower

As LIHI celebrates 25 years, we’re looking ahead to the future—and we want you to be part of it. In this section, you’ll find resources, stories, and tools to help you connect with our mission, support responsible hydropower, and contribute to the next era of innovation and impact. Whether you’re a project owner, conservation partner, policymaker, or passionate community member, your voice and actions can help shape the next 25 years.