Environmental reporting in the hydropower sector: analysis of EMAS registered hydropower companies in Italy

Hydropower (HP) is a key source of renewable energy, but also poses significant environmental challenges, including habitat fragmentation, hydropeaking and perturbations flow sediment regime. This study analyzed how Italian companies managing HP plants, registered to the European Eco-Management Audit Scheme (EMAS) in 2022, evaluated their sustainability publicly disclosed related data. The analysis was based on statements (ESs) 206 hydropower plants (29% production 2019). applied methodology involved an inventory categorization about technical features reporting technical, environmental, social aspects. results revealed that rarely described state site, even less frequently adopting quantitative indicators. “Soil contamination”, “biodiversity”, “waste production”, “risk accidents”, “water pollution management”, “noise emissions” were aspects considered most significant. No correlation found among significance aspect, number indicators used describe associated impacts, objectives set for reducing those impacts. “Biodiversity” mostly through irrelevant (i.e., total site area) 76% allocated budget assigned without clear connection with any improvement. In particular, specific impacts aquatic ecosystems scarcely reported, mitigation measures mentioned few details. conclusion, highlight need guidelines, directed sector, effectively performances effectiveness adopted Environmental Management Systems, while providing valuable information policymakers researchers.