ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the results of a global benchmarking project regarding the Chinese overseas hydropower industry carried out by International Rivers. It provides new insights into the environmental and social policies and project performance practices of Chinese overseas hydropower companies. Since 2009, International Rivers has been engaging with Chinese hydropower companies – most of which are State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) – and monitoring their global environmental footprint, particularly their projects' impacts on critical freshwater ecosystems. The companies included for assessment under the benchmarking study are the seven main Chinese overseas hydropower companies. The benchmarking matrix gives a stronger emphasis on the Environmental Management and Community and Labor Relations practices of companies. The companies with the most experience in overseas hydropower construction – Sinohydro International and Gezhouba – ranked number one and two respectively. Both companies had sophisticated policies and internal regulations across a number of key performance indicators (KPIs), and the case studies revealed areas where project implementation exceeded company commitments.
