Shaping the Future of Sustainable Hydropower: Gia Schneider Nominated for IHA Board

Alameda, CA – May 20, 2025 – We are proud to announce that Natel Energy Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Gia Schneider, has been nominated to continue her service on the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Board. This nomination, formally announced by IHA, underscores Gia's deep commitment to advancing sustainable hydropower globally.

The IHA Board plays a key role in shaping the direction of the organization and leading the hydropower sector at a critical time. As the world accelerates towards a clean energy transition for net zero by 2050, hydropower remains an essential part of the renewable energy mix. The IHA Board members are drawn from diverse backgrounds worldwide, bringing a range of perspectives to the issues affecting the industry.

Gia's re-nomination is a testament to her extensive experience and dedication to fostering a future where hydropower is both efficient and environmentally sound.

In her statement regarding the nomination, Gia shared:

"For over two decades, I've championed hydropower as an essential component of a sustainable future. I am passionate about advancing innovative technologies that support efficient power production while protecting biodiversity. As co-founder and CCO of Natel Energy, I am fortunate to work on that every day! Natel’s FishSafe turbine designs generate reliable hydropower while also allowing fish and sediment passage, which helps reconnect rivers and protect ecosystems. Natel’s solutions make sustainability scalable and cost-effective, and that’s a reflection of my own values.

I've had the privilege of serving on the IHA board this past year, and I'm seeking your support to continue advocating for modern, sustainable hydropower. Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunities for our industry! We must significantly expand hydropower production—through both modernization of existing plants and development of new projects—to combat climate change. To do so efficiently and sustainably, we must engage with a broad range of stakeholders and embrace innovation. These priorities will boost public confidence in hydropower, enabling it to continue to be a foundation of clean, reliable power for decades to come.

Hydropower deserves the same enthusiasm that wind and solar enjoy, and I have the experience to help drive that shift. Early in my career, I worked with Credit Suisse and Constellation to promote renewable energy and climatetech investments. Today, I engage with policymakers and regulators in the US, Canada, France, and the UK to accelerate adoption of new hydropower technologies. I also work with the Fresh Water Trust, the World Wildlife Fund, and American Rivers to find common ground between hydropower development and river conservation.

The San Jose Declaration highlights sustainability and stakeholder engagement as priorities for our industry. If reelected to the IHA board, I pledge to work collaboratively to continue to evolve our practices, improve our tools, and strengthen the global standing of hydropower. Thank you very much."

Meet the Candidates for North and Central America:

Gia is nominated alongside other distinguished candidates from North and Central America:

• Dennis Hogan, AECOM
• Joël Thibert, Hydro-Québec

Voting for the IHA's 2025 Board elections opens on Monday, June 23, 2025. We encourage all eligible IHA members to participate in the voting process and support leaders who are committed to advancing sustainable hydropower worldwide.

Learn more about the IHA Board elections and view the full list of candidates here.

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