Hydropower in the Mekong River Basin

Ubol Ratana Dam in Thailand

The estimated hydropower potential of Mekong River Basin about 58,930 Megawatts (MW).[1][2][3] As of February 2024, there are an estimated 167 Hydropower Plants (HPPs) in the Mekong, with a combined installed capacity of some 36,376.3 MW. An additional 20 HPPs are currently under construction and at various stages of completion. These have a combined installed capacity of an additional 4,535.5 MW.

The single most significant impact on the use of water and its management in the Mekong Region is hydropower.[4] These developments in the Mekong River Basin have resulted in substantial environmental and social impacts, which are summarised below. These have fuelled controversy [5] and hydropower is a prominent part of the discussion around the river, its basin, and its management. This debate occurs in both the academic literature, as well as the media, and is a focus for many activist groups.[6][7]

The countries that share the Mekong River Basin have all sought the large-scale infrastructural development of its waters. As part of China's Great Western Development program, large-scale hydropower development in China's Yunnan Province has been substantial,[8][9][10] on the Mekong, the Jinsha, and the Red rivers. Large amounts of Yunnan's hydropower is exported eastwards to energy intensive load centres, such as Guangxi and Guangdong.[11] Yunnan, however, has large electricity over-supply problems, which has led to significant hydropower curtailment.[11][12]

The Lao government has also prioritized hydropower development, primarily as an export commodity. In 2021, almost 82% of Lao electricity was exported, mostly to Thailand.[13] Power production (from all sources, including hydropower) contributed 12.8% to national GDP in 2022, while electricity exports comprised almost 29% of total export values in the same year,[14] and investments in electricity production represented 79% of total foreign direct investment in 2021.[15]

Most of Cambodia's hydropower has been developed in the southwest of the country, outside of the Mekong River Basin.[16][17] Its largest HPP, the Lower Sesan 2 is, however, within the Mekong River Basin, and generates some 20% of the country's electricity.[18] Cambodia has ruled out developing hydropower on the Mekong mainstream,[19] but multiple dams are planned for construction in Mekong tributary catchments. Cambodia also exports electricity directly from the Don Sahong HPP, a southern Lao dam located on the Mekong mainstream.[20]

In Thailand, little technically exploitable hydropower potential remains in its parts of the Mekong River Basin. Most of its HPPs were developed in the 1980s and 1990s, and accompanied by large-scale irrigation infrastructure development as part of the massive Kong-Chi-Mun Project,[21] more recently rearticulated as the Khong-Loei-Chi-Mun Project [22][23] Large-scale energy infrastructure in Thailand has been met with strong resistance - for example, the Assembly of the Poor's opposition to the Pak Mun HPP, the last dam to be commissioned in Thailand. This has forced Thailand to export the social and environmental externalities of hydropower construction and operation to neighbouring states.[24][25]

While there are multiple HPPs planned for Myanmar parts of the Mekong River Basin,[26] years of political instability have generally impended hydropower development.

Vietnam's Mekong hydropower development is concentrated in its Central Highlands. It does not appear as if any technically-exploitable hydropower potential remains. Here, hydropower has also been accompanied by significant irrigation development. Vietnam's hydropower investments in this area includes sizeable dams on two key Mekong tributaries, the Sesan and the Srepok rivers.

Mekong mainstream hydropower plants

[edit]

HPPs on the Mekong mainstream have aroused particular environmental concerns.[27][28] The majority of these are based in China's Yunnan Province. Table 1 below indicates the status of each of these HPPs.

Table 1: Hydropower plants on the Mekong mainstream[29]

Project Country Location COD Installed capacity (MW) Status
Sambor Cambodia 12°47′13″N 105°56′19″E / 12.786849°N 105.938582°E / 12.786849; 105.938582 (Sambor HPP) N/A 2,600 Cancelled
Stung Treng Cambodia 13°34′31″N 105°59′00″E / 13.575317°N 105.98345°E / 13.575317; 105.98345 (Stung Treng HPP) N/A 980 Cancelled
Angsai China 32°28′00″N 95°23′39″E / 32.466805°N 95.394246°E / 32.466805; 95.394246 (Angsai HPP) ? 55 Planned
Baita China 28°58′51″N 98°37′36″E / 28.980898°N 98.626669°E / 28.980898; 98.626669 (Baita HPP) ? ? Planned
Banda China 30°12′00″N 97°56′01″E / 30.2°N 97.93365°E / 30.2; 97.93365 (Banda HPP) ? 1,000 Planned
Bangduo China 29°28′11″N 98°23′41″E / 29.469708°N 98.394729°E / 29.469708; 98.394729 (Bangduo HPP) ? 720 Planned
Dachaoshan China 24°01′30″N 100°22′13″E / 24.024947°N 100.3703°E / 24.024947; 100.3703 (Dachaoshan HPP) 2003 1,350 Commissioned
Dahuaqiao China 26°18′29″N 99°08′21″E / 26.308096°N 99.139288°E / 26.308096; 99.139288 (Dahuaqiao HPP) 2018 920 Commissioned
Dongzhong China 31°52′22″N 96°59′24″E / 31.872777°N 96.99°E / 31.872777; 96.99 (Dahuaqiao HPP) ? 108 Planned
Ganlanba China 21°50′38″N 100°56′17″E / 21.843867°N 100.937917°E / 21.843867; 100.937917 (Ganlanba HPP) ? 155 Planned
Gongguoqiao China 25°35′09″N 99°20′08″E / 25.585917°N 99.335567°E / 25.585917; 99.335567 (Gongguoqiao HPP) 2012 900 Commissioned
Guoduo China 31°31′45″N 97°11′29″E / 31.529089°N 97.191279°E / 31.529089; 97.191279 (Guoduo HPP) 2015 160 Commissioned
Guonian China 28°19′09″N 98°52′06″E / 28.319211°N 98.868424°E / 28.319211; 98.868424 (Guonian HPP) N/A 1,200 Cancelled
Gushui China 28°36′31″N 98°44′46″E / 28.608683°N 98.746133°E / 28.608683; 98.746133 (Gushui HPP) ? 2,600 Planned
Huangdeng China 26°32′54″N 99°06′46″E / 26.548199°N 99.112669°E / 26.548199; 99.112669 (Huangdeng HPP) 2017 1,900 Commissioned
Jinghong China 22°03′12″N 100°45′59″E / 22.053206°N 100.766478°E / 22.053206; 100.766478 (Jinghong HPP) 2009 1,750 Commissioned
Lidi China 27°50′53″N 99°01′50″E / 27.848016°N 99.030555°E / 27.848016; 99.030555 (Lidi HPP) 2019 420 Commissioned
Lin Chang China 31°10′49″N 97°11′07″E / 31.1804°N 97.1852°E / 31.1804; 97.1852 (Lin Chang HPP) ? 72 Planned
Longqingxia China 32°53′03″N 95°21′01″E / 32.884167°N 95.350283°E / 32.884167; 95.350283 (Longqingxia HPP) 2006 2.5 Commissioned
Manwan China 24°37′20″N 100°26′55″E / 24.622086°N 100.448544°E / 24.622086; 100.448544 (Manwan HPP) 1995 1,570 Commissioned
Mengsong China 21°46′49″N 101°08′51″E / 21.780267°N 101.147367°E / 21.780267; 101.147367 (Mengsong HPP) N/A 600 Cancelled
Miaowei China 25°51′15″N 99°09′47″E / 25.854121°N 99.163155°E / 25.854121; 99.163155 (Miaowei HPP) 2017 1,400 Commissioned
Nuozhadu China 22°38′32″N 100°26′11″E / 22.642128°N 100.436336°E / 22.642128; 100.436336 (Nuozhadu HPP) 2014 5,850 Commissioned
Quzika China 30°02′23″N 97°53′22″E / 30.039854°N 97.889503°E / 30.039854; 97.889503 (Quzika HPP) ? 405 Planned
Ru Mei China 29°39′00″N 98°20′52″E / 29.649933°N 98.3477°E / 29.649933; 98.3477 (Ru Mei HPP) ? 2,100 Planned
Sidige China 30°59′06″N 97°20′20″E / 30.985°N 97.339°E / 30.985; 97.339 (Cege HPP) ? 129 Planned
Tuoba China 27°11′39″N 99°06′27″E / 27.194231°N 99.107516°E / 27.194231; 99.107516 (Tuoba HPP) 2024 1,400 Commissioned
Wunonglong China 27°55′57″N 98°56′00″E / 27.932554°N 98.9333°E / 27.932554; 98.9333 (Wunonglong HPP) 2018 990 Commissioned
Xiaowan China 24°42′15″N 100°05′29″E / 24.7042226°N 100.091255°E / 24.7042226; 100.091255 (Xiaowan HPP) 2010 4,200 Commissioned
Yue Long China 30°52′05″N 97°20′50″E / 30.868008°N 97.347124°E / 30.868008; 97.347124 (Yue Long HPP) 2030 100 Planned
Ban Koum Laos 15°25′04″N 105°35′15″E / 15.417881°N 105.587364°E / 15.417881; 105.587364 (Ban Koum HPP) 2030 1,872 Planned
Don Sahong Laos 13°57′22″N 105°57′51″E / 13.956223°N 105.964247°E / 13.956223; 105.964247 (Don Sahong HPP) 2020 240 Commissioned
Luang Prabang Laos 20°04′00″N 102°11′32″E / 20.06663°N 102.192339°E / 20.06663; 102.192339 (Luang Prabang HPP) 2030 1,460 Under construction
Pak Chom Laos 18°12′04″N 102°03′02″E / 18.201038°N 102.050588°E / 18.201038; 102.050588 (Pak Chom HPP) ? 1,079 Planned
Pak Beng Laos 19°50′58″N 101°01′10″E / 19.849455°N 101.019507°E / 19.849455; 101.019507 (Pak Beng HPP) 2033 912 Planned
Pak Lay Laos 18°24′05″N 101°35′01″E / 18.401361°N 101.58362°E / 18.401361; 101.58362 (Pak Lay HPP) 2029 728 Planned
Phoug Noi Laos 15°03′01″N 105°50′55″E / 15.050186°N 105.848498°E / 15.050186; 105.848498 (Phoug Noi HPP) 2029 728 Planned
Sanakham Laos 17°49′45″N 101°33′25″E / 17.829183°N 101.556969°E / 17.829183; 101.556969 (Sanakham HPP) 2028 684 Planned
Thako Laos 13°57′33″N 105°59′17″E / 13.959072°N 105.988047°E / 13.959072; 105.988047 (Thako HPP) N/A 86-172 Cancelled
Xayaburi Laos 19°15′14″N 101°48′49″E / 19.254006°N 101.813699°E / 19.254006; 101.813699 (Xayaburi HPP) 2019 1,285 Commissioned

Notes: COD = Commercial Operating Date; N/A = Not Applicable

Existing hydropower infrastructure in the Mekong River Basin

[edit]

Table 2: Commissioned dams in the Mekong River Basin (15 MW installed capacity and above)[29]

Project Country River Location COD Installed capacity (MW) Mean Annual Energy (GWh) Height (m) Crest length (m) Total storage (million m3) Max reservoir area (km2)
Lower Sesan 2 Cambodia Sesan 13°33′05″N 106°15′50″E / 13.551408°N 106.263841°E / 13.551408; 106.263841 (Lower Sesan 2 HPP) 2018 400 2,312 45 7,729 1,790 335
Dachaoshan China Mekong 24°01′30″N 100°22′13″E / 24.024947°N 100.3703°E / 24.024947; 100.3703 (Dachaoshan HPP) 2003 1,350 5,500 115 481 890 26.25
Dahuaqiao China Mekong 26°18′29″N 99°08′21″E / 26.308096°N 99.139288°E / 26.308096; 99.139288 (Dahuaqiao HPP) 2018 920 4,070 106 231.5 293
Ganlanba China Mekong 21°50′38″N 100°56′17″E / 21.843867°N 100.937917°E / 21.843867; 100.937917 (Ganlanba HPP) 2015 155 1,177 60.5 458 577 58
Gongguoqiao China Mekong 25°35′09″N 99°20′08″E / 25.585917°N 99.335567°E / 25.585917; 99.335567 (Gongguoqiao HPP) 2012 900 4,041 105 356 316 343
Guoduo China Mekong 31°31′45″N 97°11′29″E / 31.529089°N 97.191279°E / 31.529089; 97.191279 (Guoduo HPP) 2015 160 823 93 235.5 83
Huangdeng China Mekong 26°32′54″N 99°06′46″E / 26.548199°N 99.112669°E / 26.548199; 99.112669 (Huangdeng HPP) 2017 1,900 8,578 203 457 1,613
Jinfeng China Nan La He 21°35′31″N 101°13′30″E / 21.592026°N 101.225135°E / 21.592026; 101.225135 (Jinfeng HPP) 1998 16 64.3 45 19.48
Jinghong China Mekong 22°03′12″N 100°45′59″E / 22.053206°N 100.766478°E / 22.053206; 100.766478 (Jinghong HPP) 2009 1,750 5,570 108 705.5 1,140 510
Jinhe China Jin He 30°48′22″N 97°19′59″E / 30.806181°N 97.332926°E / 30.806181; 97.332926 (Jinhe HPP) 2004 60 367 34 68.4 4.27
Laoyinyan China Gua Lan Zi He/Shun Dian He 24°28′09″N 99°49′03″E / 24.469128°N 99.81754°E / 24.469128; 99.81754 (Laoyinyan HPP) 1997 16 4.2 1,092
Lidi China Mekong 27°50′53″N 99°01′50″E / 27.848016°N 99.030555°E / 27.848016; 99.030555 (Lidi HPP) 2019 420 1,753 75 346.4 75 3.7
Luozhahe 1 China Luo Zha He 24°30′19″N 100°27′06″E / 24.505207°N 100.451749°E / 24.505207; 100.451749 (Luozhahe 1 HPP) 2018 30 135 59 14.33
Luozhahe 2 China Luo Zha He 24°29′13″N 100°24′08″E / 24.486867°N 100.402128°E / 24.486867; 100.402128 (Luozhahe 2 HPP) 2016{ 50 225 71 3,391
Manwan China Mekong 24°37′20″N 100°26′55″E / 24.622086°N 100.448544°E / 24.622086; 100.448544 (Manwan HPP) 1995 1,570 6,710 132 418 920 415
Miaowei China Mekong 25°51′15″N 99°09′47″E / 25.854121°N 99.163155°E / 25.854121; 99.163155 (Miaowei HPP) 2017 1,400 5,999 140 660
Nanhe 1 China Luo Zha He 24°20′33″N 100°00′44″E / 24.342442°N 100.012183°E / 24.342442; 100.012183 (Nanhe 1 HPP) 2009 40 170 56.8 148 11.36
Nanhe 2 China Luo Zha He 24°22′38″N 100°03′00″E / 24.377086°N 100.050098°E / 24.377086; 100.050098 (Nanhe 2 HPP) ? 25 100
Nuozhadu China Mekong 22°38′32″N 100°26′11″E / 22.642128°N 100.436336°E / 22.642128; 100.436336 (Nuozhadu HPP) 2014 5,850 23,912 262 608 23,703 320
Tuoba China Mekong 27°11′39″N 99°06′27″E / 27.194231°N 99.107516°E / 27.194231; 99.107516 (Tuoba HPP) 2024 1,400 Commissioned
Wunonglong China Mekong 27°55′57″N 98°56′00″E / 27.932554°N 98.9333°E / 27.932554; 98.9333 (Wunonglong HPP) 2018 990 4,116 138 247 284
Xiaowan China Mekong 24°42′15″N 100°05′29″E / 24.7042226°N 100.091255°E / 24.7042226; 100.091255 (Xiaowan HPP) 2010 4,200 18,990 295 893 14,560 194
Xi'er He 1 China Xi'er He 25°34′44″N 100°12′09″E / 25.578801°N 100.202419°E / 25.578801; 100.202419 (Xi'er He 1 HPP) 1979 105 440
Xi'er He 2 China Xi'er He 25°33′43″N 100°07′52″E / 25.561991°N 100.131191°E / 25.561991; 100.131191 (Xi'er He 2 HPP) 1987 50 37 122 0.2
Xi'er He 3 China Xi'er He 25°33′31″N 100°06′28″E / 25.558584°N 100.107878°E / 25.558584; 100.107878 (Xi'er He 3 HPP) 1988 50 223 21
Xi'er He 4 China Xi'er He 25°34′35″N 100°03′56″E / 25.576262°N 100.065574°E / 25.576262; 100.065574 (Xi'er He 4 HPP) 1971 50 14
XunCun China Hei Hui Jiang 25°25′19″N 99°59′36″E / 25.421835°N 99.993301°E / 25.421835; 99.993301 (XunCun HPP) 1999 78 345 67 165 74
Mong Wa Myanmar Nam Lwe 21°23′49″N 100°19′33″E / 21.396967°N 100.32584°E / 21.396967; 100.32584 (Mong Wa HPP) 2017 66 330.45 51 78 8.01
Don Sahong Laos Mekong 13°57′22″N 105°57′51″E / 13.956223°N 105.964247°E / 13.956223; 105.964247 (Don Sahong HPP) 2020 240 2,000 25 6,800 25 2.2
Houay Ho Laos Houayho/Xekong 15°03′34″N 106°45′52″E / 15.059464°N 106.764377°E / 15.059464; 106.764377 (Houayho HPP) 1999 152 450 79 3,530 37
Houay La Nge Laos Houay La-Nge 15°46′30″N 107°03′18″E / 15.774865°N 107.054896°E / 15.774865; 107.054896 (Houay La Nge HPP) 2023 60 290 58 179 14 93.6
Houay Lamphan Gnai Laos Xekong 15°21′23″N 106°29′56″E / 15.356495°N 106.498949°E / 15.356495; 106.498949 (Houay Lamphan Gnai HPP) 2015 84.8 480 77 74.5 140 9
Houay Por Laos Houay Por 15°32′44″N 106°15′24″E / 15.545605°N 106.256763°E / 15.545605; 106.256763 (Houay Por HPP) 2018 15 75 6 0.76
Lower Houay Lam Phanh Laos Houay Lamphan 15°19′17″N 106°37′48″E / 15.321515°N 106.630123°E / 15.321515; 106.630123 (Lower Houay Lam Phanh HPP) 2022 15 68 55 523 73.9
Nam Ao Laos Nam Ao 19°09′39″N 103°16′59″E / 19.160876°N 103.283107°E / 19.160876; 103.283107 (Nam Ao HPP) 2023 15 92 26 130 52 4.9
Nam Beng Laos Nam Beng 19°56′47″N 101°14′15″E / 19.946436°N 101.237563°E / 19.946436; 101.237563 (Nam Beng HPP) 2014 36 145 25.5 84.8 3,611 0.7
Nam Che 1 Laos Nam Che 19°03′17″N 103°30′49″E / 19.054645°N 103.513536°E / 19.054645; 103.513536 (Nam Che 1 HPP) 2019 16.8 23 50
Nam Chien 1 Laos Nam Che 19°08′43″N 103°33′26″E / 19.145395°N 103.557259°E / 19.145395; 103.557259 (Nam Chien 1 HPP) 2018 104 448.2 68.8 367 14
Nam Houng 1 Laos Nam Houng 19°11′24″N 101°48′23″E / 19.189914°N 101.806322°E / 19.189914; 101.806322 (Nam Young 1 HPP) 2023 15 57 1.52
Nam Khan 2 Laos Nam Khan 19°41′07″N 102°22′11″E / 19.685364°N 102.369791°E / 19.685364; 102.369791 (Nam Khan 2 HPP) 2015 130 558 160 405 30.5
Nam Khan 3 Laos Nam Khan 19°44′49″N 102°13′22″E / 19.747016°N 102.222793°E / 19.747016; 102.222793 (Nam Khan 3 HPP) 2016 88 480 77 74.5 140 9
Nam Kong 1 Laos Nam Kong 14°32′47″N 106°44′27″E / 14.546513°N 106.740933°E / 14.546513; 106.740933 (Nam Kong HPP 1) 2021 160 649 87 386 679 21.8
Nam Kong 2 Laos Nam Kong 14°29′41″N 106°51′24″E / 14.494672°N 106.856669°E / 14.494672; 106.856669 (Nam Kong HPP 2) 2018 66 264 50 210 71.4 4.2
Nam Kong 3 Laos Nam Kong 14°33′59″N 106°54′45″E / 14.566338°N 106.912551°E / 14.566338; 106.912551 (Nam Kong 3 HPP) 2021 54 204 65 500 471 32
Nam Leuk Laos Nam Leuk/Nam Ngum 18°26′15″N 102°56′48″E / 18.437406°N 102.94675°E / 18.437406; 102.94675 (Nam Leuk HPP) 2000 60 215 51.5 800 185 17.2
Nam Lik 1 Laos Nam Lik 18°37′10″N 102°23′14″E / 18.619438°N 102.387252°E / 18.619438; 102.387252 (Nam Lik 1 HPP) 2019 64 256 36.5 72 22.3
Nam Lik 1-2 Laos Nam Lik 18°47′38″N 102°07′00″E / 18.793782°N 102.116714°E / 18.793782; 102.116714 (Nam Lik 1-2 HPP) 2010 100 435 103 328 11 24.4
Nam Mang 1 Laos Nam Mang 18°32′03″N 103°11′47″E / 18.53423°N 103.196286°E / 18.53423; 103.196286 (Nam Mang 1 HPP) 2016 64 225 70 280 16.5 0.148
Nam Mang 3 Laos Nam Gnogn 18°20′58″N 102°45′55″E / 18.349383°N 102.765244°E / 18.349383; 102.765244 (Nam Mang 3 HPP) 2004 40 150 28 151 49 10
Nam Ngiep 1 Laos Nam Ngiep 18°38′45″N 103°33′08″E / 18.645828°N 103.552329°E / 18.645828; 103.552329 (Nam Ngiep 1 HPP) 2019 272 1,546 167 530 1,192 67
Nam Ngiep 1 (DS) Laos Nam Ngiep 18°38′53″N 103°34′18″E / 18.647966°N 103.571591°E / 18.647966; 103.571591 (Nam Ngiep 1 (DS) HPP) 2019 18 105 20 90 4.6 1.27
Nam Ngiep 2 Laos Nam Ngiep 19°14′36″N 103°17′02″E / 19.243328°N 103.283818°E / 19.243328; 103.283818 (Nam Ngiep 2 HPP) 2015 180 732 70.5 163
Nam Ngiep 2B Laos Nam Ngiep 19°09′21″N 103°20′46″E / 19.155918°N 103.346031°E / 19.155918; 103.346031 (Nam Ngiep 2B HPP) 2015 18 76
Nam Ngiep 3A Laos Nam Ngiep 19°14′37″N 103°17′02″E / 19.243546°N 103.283913°E / 19.243546; 103.283913 (Nam Ngiep 3A HPP) 2014 44 144 30 110 13.85 1.8
Nam Ngum 1 Laos Nam Ngum 18°31′52″N 102°32′51″E / 18.531068°N 102.547577°E / 18.531068; 102.547577 (Nam Ngum 1 HPP) 1971 315 1,455 70 468 4,700 370
Nam Ngum 2 Laos Nam Ngum 18°45′19″N 102°46′35″E / 18.755374°N 102.776476°E / 18.755374; 102.776476 (Nam Ngum 2 HPP) 2011 615 2,300 181.5 421 3,590 122.2
Nam Ngum 5 Laos Nam Ngum 19°21′22″N 102°37′16″E / 19.356095°N 102.621196°E / 19.356095; 102.621196 (Nam Ngum 5 HPP) 2012 120 507 104.5 258 314 14.6
Nam Ou 1 Laos Nam Ou 20°05′18″N 102°15′55″E / 20.0883°N 102.265379°E / 20.0883; 102.265379 (Nam Ou 1 HPP) 2019 160 710 65 442 89.1 9.56
Nam Ou 2 Laos Nam Ou 20°24′42″N 102°28′22″E / 20.411698°N 102.472817°E / 20.411698; 102.472817 (Nam Ou 2 HPP) 2016 120 546 55 352 121.7 15.7
Nam Ou 3 Laos Nam Ou 20°41′43″N 102°39′55″E / 20.695251°N 102.665404°E / 20.695251; 102.665404 (Nam Ou 3 HPP) 2020 150 685 72 340 168.6 13.26
Nam Ou 4 Laos Nam Ou 21°07′13″N 102°29′39″E / 21.120153°N 102.494173°E / 21.120153; 102.494173 (Nam Ou 4 HPP) 2020 116 524 47 300 124 9.37
Nam Ou 5 Laos Nam Ou 21°24′41″N 102°20′39″E / 21.411349°N 102.344263°E / 21.411349; 102.344263 (Nam Ou 5 HPP) 2016 240 1,049 74 335 17.22
Nam Ou 6 Laos Nam Ou 21°24′41″N 102°20′39″E / 21.411349°N 102.344263°E / 21.411349; 102.344263 (Nam Ou 6 HPP) 2016 180 739 88 409 17.01
Nam Ou 7 Laos Nam Ou 22°04′40″N 102°15′52″E / 22.07779°N 102.264436°E / 22.07779; 102.264436 (Nam Ou 7 HPP) 2020 190 811 147 825 1,494 38.16
Nam Pha Gnai Laos Nam Pha Gnai 19°00′48″N 102°15′52″E / 19.013318°N 102.264436°E / 19.013318; 102.264436 (Nam Pha Gnai HPP) 2016 19.2 130 65 148 1.5
Nam Phay Laos Nam Phay 19°06′34″N 102°45′27″E / 19.109357°N 102.757461°E / 19.109357; 102.757461 (Nam Phay HPP) 2018 86 419.5 18.92
Nam San 3A Laos Nam San 19°07′45″N 103°39′42″E / 19.129193°N 103.661752°E / 19.129193; 103.661752 (Nam San 3A HPP) 2016 69 278.4 75 350 123 8.5
Nam San 3B Laos Nam San 19°05′08″N 103°37′12″E / 19.085633°N 103.619938°E / 19.085633; 103.619938 (Nam San 3B HPP) 2015 45 198
Nam Tha 1 Laos Nam Tha 20°14′58″N 100°53′33″E / 20.249467°N 100.892433°E / 20.249467; 100.892433 (Nam Tha 1 HPP) 2018 168 759.4 93.7 349.2 1,755 113.9
Nam Tha Had Muak Laos Nam Tha 20°14′34″N 100°42′44″E / 20.24264°N 100.712302°E / 20.24264; 100.712302 (Nam Tha 1 HPP) 2022 37.5 102.67
Nam Theun 1 Laos Nam Theun 18°21′24″N 104°08′53″E / 18.356733°N 104.148017°E / 18.356733; 104.148017 (Nam Theun 1 HPP) 2022 650 2,561 177 771 2,772 93.6
Nam Theun 2 Laos Nam Theun/Xe Bangfai 17°59′50″N 104°57′08″E / 17.997353°N 104.952306°E / 17.997353; 104.952306 (Nam Theun 2 HPP) 2010 1,075 5,936 48 325 3,500 450
Theun-Hinboun Laos Nam Theun 18°15′40″N 104°33′45″E / 18.261005°N 104.562525°E / 18.261005; 104.562525 (Theun-Hinboun Hydropower Plant) 1998 220 1,645 48 810 1,300 49
Theun-Hinboun Expansion Project Laos Nam Gnouang 18°17′50″N 104°38′10″E / 18.297248°N 104.636171°E / 18.297248; 104.636171 (Theun-Hinboun Expansion Project) 2013 222 1,395 65 480 2,450 49
Xayaburi Laos Mekong 19°15′14″N 101°48′49″E / 19.254006°N 101.813699°E / 19.254006; 101.813699 (Xayaburi HPP) 2019 1,285 6,035 48 810 1,300 49
Xe Kaman 1 Laos Xe Kaman 14°57′39″N 107°09′23″E / 14.960724°N 107.156336°E / 14.960724; 107.156336 (Xe Kaman 1 HPP) 2018 290 1,096 120 185 4,804 149.8
Xe Kaman 3 Laos Xe Kaman 15°25′31″N 107°21′45″E / 15.425194°N 107.362611°E / 15.425194; 107.362611 (Xe Kaman 3 HPP) 2014 250 1,000 102 543 141.5 5.2
Xe Kaman-Sanxay Laos Xe Kaman 14°53′20″N 107°07′02″E / 14.888908°N 107.117133°E / 14.888908; 107.117133 (Xe Kaman-Sanxay HPP) 2018 32 131.2 28 180 1.76
Xe Lanong 1 Laos Xe Lanong 16°21′23″N 106°14′19″E / 16.356276°N 106.238749°E / 16.356276; 106.238749 (Xe Lanong 1 HPP) 2020 70 269.9 67.5 302 953
Xepian-Xenamnoy Laos Xepian/Xenamnoy 15°01′34″N 106°37′39″E / 15.026115°N 106.627369°E / 15.026115; 106.627369 (Xepian-Xenamnoy HPP) 2019 427 1,788 73 1,600 1,043 50.6
Xe Nam Noy - Xe Katam Laos Xenamnoi/Xekatam 15°07′05″N 106°37′00″E / 15.117928°N 106.616688°E / 15.117928; 106.616688 (Xepian-Xenamnoy HPP) 2016 20.1 83
Xeset 1 Laos Xeset 15°29′31″N 106°16′43″E / 15.49200°N 106.27867°E / 15.49200; 106.27867 (Xeset 1 HPP) 1994 45 154 18 124
Xeset 2 Laos Xeset 15°24′14″N 106°16′49″E / 15.403775°N 106.280332°E / 15.403775; 106.280332 (Xeset 1 HPP) 2009 76 309 26 144
Xeset 3 Laos Xe Don 15°20′32″N 106°18′40″E / 15.342113°N 106.31115°E / 15.342113; 106.31115 (Xeset 3 HPP) 2017 23 80 11 1.3
Chulabhorn Thailand Nam Phrom 16°32′11″N 101°39′00″E / 16.536267°N 101.650036°E / 16.536267; 101.650036 (Chulabhorn HPP) 1972 40 93 70 700 165 31
Lam Ta Khong Thailand Lam Ta Khong 14°51′55″N 101°33′37″E / 14.865175°N 101.560303°E / 14.865175; 101.560303 (Lam Ta Khong HPP) 1974 500 400 40.3 251 310 37
Pak Mun Thailand Mun 15°16′55″N 105°28′05″E / 15.2818942°N 105.468058°E / 15.2818942; 105.468058 (Pak Mun HPP) 1994 136 280 17 300
Sirindhorn Thailand Lam Dom Noi 15°12′23″N 105°25′45″E / 15.206339°N 105.429156°E / 15.206339; 105.429156 (Siridhorn HPP) 1971 36 86 42 940 1,967 288
Ubol Ratana Thailand Nam Pong 16°46′31″N 102°37′06″E / 16.775394°N 102.618325°E / 16.775394; 102.618325 (Ubol Ratana HPP) 1966 25.2 57 35.1 885 2,559 410
A Luoi Vietnam A Sap 16°11′51″N 107°09′43″E / 16.197619°N 107.161897°E / 16.197619; 107.161897 (A Luoi HPP) 2012 170 686 49.5 208
Buon Kuop Vietnam Sre Pok 12°31′30″N 107°55′33″E / 12.52504°N 107.925762°E / 12.52504; 107.925762 (Buon Kop HPP) 2009 280 1,455 34 1,828 37 5.57
Buon Tua Sra Vietnam Se San/Krong Po Ko 12°16′56″N 108°02′29″E / 12.282116°N 108.041299°E / 12.282116; 108.041299 (Buon Tua Srah HPP) 2009 86 359 83 1,041 787 41
Dray Hlinh 2 Vietnam Sre Pok 12°40′33″N 107°54′14″E / 12.6757°N 107.903978°E / 12.6757; 107.903978 (Dray Hinh 2 HPP) 2007 16 85
Hòa Phú Vietnam Sre Pok 12°38′59″N 107°54′33″E / 12.64967°N 107.909128°E / 12.64967; 107.909128 (Hòa Phú HPP) 2014 29 132 12 384.5 5 1.6
Krông Nô 2 Vietnam Krong No 12°15′16″N 108°21′20″E / 12.254355°N 108.355469°E / 12.254355; 108.355469 (Krông Nô 2 HPP) 2016 30 109 9.3
Krông Nô 3 Vietnam Krong No 12°15′16″N 108°21′20″E / 12.254355°N 108.355469°E / 12.254355; 108.355469 (Krông Nô 3 HPP) 2016 18 63.5 42 260 20 1.75
Plei Krong Vietnam Se San/Krong Po Ko 14°24′30″N 107°51′47″E / 14.408227°N 107.862991°E / 14.408227; 107.862991 (Plei Krong HPP) 2008 100 479 65 745 1,049 53
Sesan 3 Vietnam Se San 14°12′57″N 107°43′19″E / 14.215816°N 107.722061°E / 14.215816; 107.722061 (Sesan 3 HPP) 2006 260 1,224 79 6.4
Sesan 3A Vietnam Se San 14°06′23″N 107°39′28″E / 14.106475°N 107.657753°E / 14.106475; 107.657753 (Sesan 3A HPP) 2007 96
Sesan 4 Vietnam Se San 13°58′06″N 107°29′43″E / 13.968252°N 107.49516°E / 13.968252; 107.49516 (Sesan 4 HPP) 2009 360 60 54
Sesan 4A Vietnam Se San 13°56′00″N 107°28′01″E / 13.933374°N 107.46683°E / 13.933374; 107.46683 (Sesan 4 HPP) 2009 360 60 54
Sre Pok 3 Vietnam Sre Pok 12°45′08″N 107°52′36″E / 12.752344°N 107.876769°E / 12.752344; 107.876769 (Sre Pok 3 HPP) 2009 220 52.5
Sre Pok 4 Vietnam Sre Pok 12°48′26″N 107°51′19″E / 12.807331°N 107.855308°E / 12.807331; 107.855308 (Sre Pok 4 HPP) 2009 600 329.3 155 860 114 150
Sre Pok 4A Vietnam Sre Pok 12°53′36″N 107°48′44″E / 12.893464°N 107.812294°E / 12.893464; 107.812294 (Sre Pok 4A HPP) 2014 308.35 4
Upper Kontum Vietnam Se San/Dak Bla/Dak Ngh 14°41′39″N 108°13′48″E / 14.694291°N 108.229879°E / 14.694291; 108.229879 (Upper Kontum HPP) 2011 250 1,056.4 73 392 174 7.08
Yali Falls Vietnam Se San 14°13′39″N 107°49′47″E / 14.227481°N 107.829597°E / 14.227481; 107.829597 (Yali Falls HPP) 2001 720 3,658.6 65 1,460 1,073 64.5
Yan-Tann-Sien Vietnam Yan-Tann-Sien 12°09′10″N 108°22′43″E / 12.152824°N 108.37866°E / 12.152824; 108.37866 (Yan-Tann-Sien HPP) 2010 19.5 79

Notes: COD = Commercial Operating Date

Hydropower infrastructure under construction in the Mekong River Basin

[edit]

Table 3: Hydropower dams under construction in the Mekong River Basin (15 MW installed capacity and above)[29]

Project Country River Location COD Installed capacity (MW) Mean Annual Energy (GWh) Height (m) Crest length (m) Total storage (million m3) Max reservoir area (km2)
Pursat 1 Cambodia Pursat 12°17′07″N 103°17′56″E / 12.285408°N 103.298828°E / 12.285408; 103.298828 (Pursat 1 Dam) 2026 80 361 100 687 1,039
Charikou China Tsichu 32°40′12″N 96°33′42″E / 32.670005°N 96.561546°E / 32.670005; 96.561546 (Charikou Dam) ? 54 121.4 198.48 421
Jiaoba China Dengqu 29°34′46″N 98°18′22″E / 29.579527°N 98.306028°E / 29.579527; 98.306028 (Jiaoba Dam) ? 60 50
Houay Kaouane Laos 20°04′00″N 102°11′32″E / 20.06663°N 102.192339°E / 20.06663; 102.192339 (Houay Kaouane) ? 24
Luang Prabang Laos Mekong 20°04′00″N 102°11′32″E / 20.06663°N 102.192339°E / 20.06663; 102.192339 (Luang Prabang Dam) 2030 1,460 6,500 80 275 1,589.5 72.39
Nam Ang Laos Nam Ang 15°07′21″N 107°06′31″E / 15.122545°N 107.108512°E / 15.122545; 107.108512 (Nam Ang Dam) 2024 31 183.3 0.03
Nam Emoun Laos Nam Emoun 15°34′27″N 106°58′10″E / 15.5743°N 106.969395°E / 15.5743; 106.969395 (Nam Emoun Dam) 2025 131.5 460.59 29 127 0.07 0.16
Nam Hinboun 1 Laos Nam Hinboun 17°43′42″N 104°34′17″E / 17.728201°N 104.571382°E / 17.728201; 104.571382 (Nam Hinboun 1 Dam) 2024 15 79.74 33 70
Nam Hinboun 2 Laos Nam Hinboun 18°01′25″N 104°25′30″E / 18.023739°N 104.425006°E / 18.023739; 104.425006 (Nam Hinboun 2 Dam) ? 30 155.2 38 2.57
Nam Ngao Laos Nam Hinboun 20°23′54″N 100°25′55″E / 20.398288°N 100.431852°E / 20.398288; 100.431852 (Nam Ngao Dam) ? 15 81.1 69 438.6 2.57
Nam Ngum 3 Laos Nam Ngum 19°05′03″N 102°52′44″E / 19.084097°N 102.878817°E / 19.084097; 102.878817 (Nam Ngum 3 Dam) 2024 480 2,345 220 395 1,411 27.51
Nam Ngum 4 Laos Nam Ngum 19°27′14″N 103°00′37″E / 19.453804°N 103.010325°E / 19.453804; 103.010325 (Nam Ngum 4 Dam) 2024 240 872 74 110
Nam Phan (Bolevan) Laos Nam Phak 15°04′32″N 106°08′21″E / 15.075548°N 106.139196°E / 15.075548; 106.139196 (Nam Phan Dam) 2025 168 788
Nam Pot 1 Laos Nam Pot 19°09′19″N 103°15′59″E / 19.15518°N 103.266356°E / 19.15518; 103.266356 (Nam Pot 1 Dam) ? 20 92 4.9
Xe Lanong 2 Laos Xe Lanong 16°17′31″N 106°31′04″E / 16.291893°N 106.517774°E / 16.291893; 106.517774 (Xe Lanong 2 Dam) ? 35 143 55
Xekong A (DS) Laos Xekong 14°35′57″N 106°33′15″E / 14.599171°N 106.554175°E / 14.599171; 106.554175 (Xekong A (DS)) 2025 86 334.7 8.5 95.03 25.4
Xekong 4B (DS) Laos Xekong 15°44′39″N 106°44′55″E / 15.744284°N 106.748666°E / 15.744284; 106.748666 (Xekong 4B) 2027 175 801 117 1,004.7 22.4

Notes: COD = Commercial Operating Date

Environmental impacts of Mekong hydropower

[edit]

The environmental impacts of Mekong hydropower development are generally well studied and understood. Some the key impacts of Mekong hydropower are as follows:

Hydrological impacts: about 75% of annual flows through the Mekong system occur between late June and early November,[30][31] which drives ecological productivity throughout the system.[32][33] This surge of water is known as the 'flood pulse' and dams (of all kinds) will contribute to its diminution. Wet season flows can be expected to reduce, while dry season flows can be expected to increase.[34] This has significant implications for the Mekong's ecology.

Fisheries impacts: the Mekong's fisheries are threatened in multiple ways, most importantly by dams and excessive fishing pressure.[35] Dams affect fisheries by:[36]

  • Acting as barriers to fish migration - either as fish try to migrate upstream to spawn; or for trapping fish fry or eggs as these travel downstream.
  • Interrupting natural flood cycles to which fish have evolved and adapted to over thousands of years.
  • Riverbed hardening. Dams typically release water in bursts, which removes smaller sediments like silt, sand, and gravel, as well as aquatic plants and animals and debris from vegetation. As a result, the bedrock below the dam becomes exposed and loses its value as a fish habitat.
  • Trapping sediment, a significant source of nutrition for fish.[37]
  • Altering water temperature. Water released from a dam is typically colder than prevailing temperatures downstream of the dam. This has a direct impact on fish habitats and populations.
  • Hydropeaking, which refers to the release of water from HPPs when demand is highest (usually during the day), and much smaller releases when demand is low. This also affects fisheries through the rapid alteration and high and low river flows. Globally, hydropeaking has been found to impact fish biodiversity, and fish community composition.[36][38][39]

The fisheries impact of all existing and planned mainstream dams will be most felt in Cambodia (which will experience three-quarters of the loss), while the balance will be experienced in Vietnam, Lao PDR and Thailand.[39] In terms of tonnages, this will represent a loss of between 580-750,000 Mt per year.[39]

In another study by the Mekong River Commission, fisheries assessments conducted in 2020 suggested that the annual finfish yield from the lower Mekong (i.e. those parts of the basin that fall within Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam)) was between 1.51 to 1.71 million tonnes, while the harvest of other aquatic animals (OAAs) was approximately 443,000 tons. This is approximately 25-30% less than yield estimates conducted in 2000 and 2010. The estimated value of the fish catch varies from USD 7.13 billion to USD 8.37 billion annually. In addition, the estimated value of the OAA harvest is approximately USD 1.13 billion.[40]

Sediment impacts: in the Mekong, some 40% of the sediments that reach the Mekong Delta are derived from the Three Parallel Rivers area in Yunnan, while some 52% come from the Central Highlands of Vietnam.[41] The balance comes from those parts of the basin in northern Thailand, and the Tibetan gorges.[41][42] Sediment loads are lowest during the dry season and highest during the first months of the flood season, when loose sediments weathered during the dry season are washed into rivers.[41][43]

Although suspended sediment concentrations in the Mekong have been monitored since 1994, the ‘pre-disturbance’ sediment load is unknown. Nevertheless, studies can demonstrate very significant declines in the Mekong's sediment load since 2001. At Chiang Saen, sediment flows have decreased from about 85 million metric tonnes per year (Mt/yr) to 10.8 million Mt/yr, meaning that the sediment contributions from China to the Mekong mainstream has decreased to about 16% of all sediments in the Lower Mekong as compared to about 55% historically.[44] A similar trend is seen down-stream at Pakse, where average loads have decreased from 147 Mt/yr to 66 Mt/yr between 1994 and 2013.[44]

The declining sediment load has significant implications for the Mekong Delta, recharging sediments otherwise washed away by the sea, consumed by sea-level rise, or in combination with land subsidence. Studies of the possible long-term consequences of system-wide sediment reductions suggest that it is likely that nearly half of the Delta's land surface will be below sea level by 2100, with the remaining areas impacted by saline intrusion from the sea and frequent flooding.[42] Much of the Mekong's sediment decline is attributed to the 'trapping efficiency' of dams.[42][44][45][46]

Forest impacts: there is a two-way relationship between (reservoir) hydropower and deforestation in the catchments they draw on. In the absence of soil conservation measures, deforestation often contributes to increased erosion, which is then deposited in the reservoir, reducing reservoir capacity. The 1,570 MW Manwan HPP on the Mekong mainstream in China, for example, lost 21.5–22.8% of the total storage capacity to sediments in its first 11 years of operation.[47] But hydropower can also drive deforestation. Reservoirs need to be cleared of vegetation before filling, and given the size of some reservoirs, the area subjected to clearance can be considerable. The deforestation impact of reservoir clearance in the Mekong is unknown. In 2008, an estimated 60% of the timber harvested in Laos was approved under special quotas for hydroelectric and other infra-structure projects.[48] It has been estimated that hydropower development contributes to the loss of 13,100 ha of forest a year in Laos.[49] Over 2006/07, the Lao national timber quota was temporarily raised by 400,000 m3 to allow for logging specifically related to the development of the Nam Theun 2 HPP.[50] It has been argued that logging represents an additional motivation to hydropower development, and is frequently linked to corrupt actors[clarification needed].[51]

River connectivity: 'connectivity' refers to the degree to which matter and organisms can move among spatially defined units in a natural system. ‘River connectivity’ is typically described as lateral (between a river's main channel and its floodplains), longitudinal (between upstream areas in the river channel or catchment, and downstream ones), and vertical (within the water column, between upper water layers and lower ones.[52][53] River connectivity can be conceptualised as a continuum from 'fully connected' to 'disconnected'. River connectivity strongly influences the resistance and resilience of rivers to natural and human-induced disturbances.[53]

Dams interrupt connectivity, and so fish cannot swim upstream to spawn or breed; dams affect water quality in a variety of ways, altering upstream ecosystems so that they contrast starkly with downstream ones. Dam reservoirs are lacustrine (lake-like) environments unlike rapidly flowing waters downstream; upstream, the water is heavy with sediments, while downstream it is not; above the dam, the water is cold, while below it, it is warmer.

A 2014 study explores an HPP build-out of 81 proposed dams across the Mekong Basin.[54] If this were to occur, it would reduce the Mekong's connectivity to just 11% by 2022. This build-out – already well advanced – would make the Mekong one of the most heavily impounded rivers in the world.

Greenhouse gases: hydropower reservoirs do emit greenhouses gases (GHGs), although the volumes and types depend on the reservoir's latitude and age.[55] Young reservoirs tend to release larger amounts of GHGs than older ones due to the availability of decomposing vegetation and other organic matter soon after initial inundation; tropical reservoirs tend to release more than temperate ones due to higher rates of net primary production.[55][56]

In the Mekong, one study looked at 119 reservoirs across the basin, and found that these emit between 0.2–1,994 kg  of CO2 per MWh over a 100 year lifetime with a median of 26 kg  of CO per MWh.[57] Hydropower reservoirs that also provided irrigation water (22) had generally higher emissions reaching over 22,000 kg  of CO2 per  MWh.[57] Yearly emissions ranged from 26 to 181,3 000 Mt of CO2 per year over a 100-year lifetime, with a median of 28,000 Mt of CO2 per year. Altogether, 82% of hydropower reservoirs (119) and 45% of reservoirs also providing irrigation (22) had emissions comparable to other renewable energy sources (<190 kg  CO2 per  MWh), while the rest had higher emissions equivalent to fossil fuel power plants (>380 kg  CO2 per  MWh).[57] These results, the study authors caution, are tentative and they suggest that hydropower in the Mekong Region cannot be considered categorically as low-emission energy. Instead, the GHG emissions of hydropower should be carefully considered case-by-case.[57]

Mekong hydropower and resettlement of affected communities

[edit]

People are affected by hydropower in a diversity of ways. Most immediately are those displaced by an HPP (i.e. resettled due to the presence of the dam itself, its reservoir, and/or ancillary buildings and infrastructure). Then there are those who will be affected by fisheries and sediment losses, and/or losses arising due to hydrological changes. Such populations may be eligible for compensation. Finally, there are broader impacts, related to the ways in which hydropower affects national economies. This section focuses on involuntary displacement and resettlement due to hydropower in the Mekong.

Figures for the number of people displaced by hydropower development are scattered and not generally available. Where data are available, they are as follows:

Table 4: Resettlement of hydropower-displaced people in the Mekong River Basin[29]

Project Country Status No. resettled
Battambang 1 Cambodia Commissioned 4,350
Lower Sesan 2 Cambodia Commissioned 4,809
Pursat 1 Cambodia Under construction 1,436
Dachaoshan China Commissioned 6,363
Dahuaqiao China Commissioned 4,061
Gongguoqiao China Commissioned 3,476
Huangdeng China Commissioned 4,415
Jinfeng China Commissioned 126
Jinghong China Commissioned 2,264
Lidi China Commissioned 575
Lin Chang China Commissioned 69
Manwan China Commissioned 7,260
Miaowei China Commissioned 11,036
Nuozhadu China Commissioned 43,602
Tuoba China Under construction 5,951
Wunonglong China Commissioned 1,268
Xiaowan China Commissioned 38,646
Xu Cun China Commissioned 400
Don Sahong Laos Commissioned 66
Houay Ho Laos Commissioned 3,000
Luang Prabang Laos Under construction 12,966
Nam Hinboun 2 Laos Commissioned 1,200
Nam Kong 1 Laos Commissioned 1,612
Nam Leuk Laos Commissioned 134
Nam Lik 1-2 Laos Commissioned 3,127
Nam Mang 3 Laos Commissioned 1,200
Nam Ngiep 2 Laos Commissioned 407
Nam Ngum 1 Laos Commissioned 3,242
Nam Ngum 2 Laos Commissioned 6,234
Nam Ngum 3 Laos Under construction 523
Nam Ou 1 Laos Commissioned 3,080
Nam Ou 2 Laos Commissioned 700
Nam Ou 3 Laos Commissioned 560
Nam Ou 4 Laos Commissioned 630
Nam Ou 5 Laos Commissioned 910
Nam Ou 6 Laos Commissioned 210
Nam Ou 7 Laos Commissioned 490
Nam San 3A Laos Under construction 2,832
Nam Tha 1 Laos Commissioned 10,523
Nam Theun 1 Laos Commissioned 2,623
Nam Theun 2 Laos Commissioned 6,200
Theun-Hinboun Laos Commissioned 4,367
Xe Bang Hieng 2 Laos Commissioned 2,700
Xe Pian-Xe Nam Noy Laos Commissioned 800
Xe Pon 3 Laos Commissioned 600
Xekong 3B Laos Commissioned 240
Xekong 4A Laos Commissioned 4,458
Xekong 5 Laos Commissioned 440
Ubol Ratana Thailand Commissioned 30,000
A Luoi Vietnam Commissioned 872
Buôn Kốp Vietnam Commissioned 4,732
Buon Tua Srah Vietnam Commissioned 2,215
Dray Hinh 1 Vietnam Commissioned 153
Plei Krong Vietnam Commissioned 6,239
Sesan 3A Vietnam Commissioned 665
Sesan 4 Vietnam Commissioned 1,021
Sre Pok 3 Vietnam Commissioned 9,279
Upper Kontum Vietnam Commissioned 1,363
Yali Vietnam Commissioned 24,610

In 2011, it was estimated that hydropower development in Laos would result in the resettlement of between 100,000 and 280,000 people.[58] In 2019, the Lao Minister of Energy and Mines estimated that, up until that point, 60,000 people from 12,000 families from more than 200 villages across Laos had been resettled to make way for power projects.[59] Similar estimates are not available for other parts of the Mekong River Basin.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Mekong Mainstream Dams". International Rivers. Retrieved 2017-09-09.
  2. ^ Mekong River Commission (2010). "State of the Basin Report, 2010" (PDF). MRC, Vientiane, Laos.
  3. ^ J. Dore; Y. Xiaogang; K. Yuk-shing (2007). "China's energy reforms and hydropower expansion in Yunnan". In L. Lebel; J. Dore; R. Daniel; Y.S. Koma (eds.). Democratizing Water Governance in the Mekong Region. Chiang Mai: Silkworm Books. pp. 55–92. ISBN 978-9749511251.
  4. ^ CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food. "CPWF Mekong". Archived from the original on April 28, 2012. Retrieved May 19, 2012.
  5. ^ "Thousands Call for Regional Governments to Save the Mekong". International Rivers. Retrieved 2017-09-09.
  6. ^ "A Dangerous Trajectory for the Mekong River". International Rivers. Retrieved 2017-09-09.
  7. ^ Yeophantong, Pichamon (2014). "China's Lancang Dam Cascade and Transnational Activism in the Mekong Region: Who's Got the Power?". Asian Survey. 54 (4): 700–24. doi:10.1525/as.2014.54.4.700.
  8. ^ Hennig, Thomas; Wang, Wenling; Magee, Darrin; He, Damming (2016). "Yunnan's Fast-Paced Large Hydropower Development: A Powershed-Based Approach to Critically Assessing Generation and Consumption Paradigms". Water. 8 (10): 476. doi:10.3390/w8100476. ISSN 2073-4441.
  9. ^ Magee, Darrin (2006). "Powershed Politics: Yunnan Hydropower under Great Western Development". The China Quarterly. 185 (2006): 23–41. doi:10.1017/S0305741006000038. S2CID 154714463.
  10. ^ Tilt, Brian (2015). Dams and development in China: the moral economy of water and power. New York: Colombia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-17010-9.
  11. ^ a b Liu, Shuangquan; Davidson, Michael (2021). China trading power: improving environmental and economic efficiency of Yunnan's electricity market (PDF) (Report). Environment and Natural Resources Program, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  12. ^ Cheng, Chuntian; Chen, Fu; Li, Gang; Ristić, Bora; Mirchi, Ali; Qiyu, Tu; Madani, Kaveh (2018). "Reform and renewables in China: The architecture of Yunnan's hydropower dominated electricity market". Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 94 (2018): 682–693. Bibcode:2018RSERv..94..682C. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2018.06.033. S2CID 117337384.
  13. ^ "Laos: electricity exports". Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  14. ^ BOL (2023). Annual Economic Report 2022 (PDF) (Report). Bank of the Lao PDR. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  15. ^ "Department of Investment Promotion, Ministry of Planning and Investment (Lao PDR) Statistics". Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  16. ^ Future Forum, Cambodia (April 2021). Chinese State-Owned Enterprises and Infrastructure Development in Cambodia: The Tatay River Hydropower Dam Project (PDF) (Report). BRI Monitor. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  17. ^ Siciliano, Giuseppina; Urban, Frauke; Tan-Mullins, May; Lonn, Pichdara; Kim, Sour (2016). "The Political Ecology of Chinese Large Dams in Cambodia: Implications, Challenges and Lessons Learnt from the Kamchay Dam". Water. 8 (9): 405. doi:10.3390/w8090405.
  18. ^ "Hydropower Lower Sesan II". Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  19. ^ "Cambodian PM Affirms Ban on Mekong Hydropower Projects". The Diplomat. December 1, 2023.
  20. ^ Thul, Prak Chan (8 January 2020). "Don Sahong hydropower dam in Laos connects to Cambodian grid". Reuters. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  21. ^ Molle, François; Floch, Philippe (2008). "Megaprojects and Social and Environmental Changes: The Case of the Thai 'Water Grid'". AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment. 37 (3): 199–204. doi:10.1579/0044-7447(2008)37[199:MASAEC]2.0.CO;2. PMID 18595275. S2CID 31229220.
  22. ^ Wangkiat, Paritta (8 May 2016). "Downstream countries concerned over water diversion". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  23. ^ Lan, Mai (6 June 2016). "Diverting the Mekong River into Thailand: The Khong-Loei-Chi-Mun project". Mekong Commons. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  24. ^ Simpson, Adam (2007). "The environment – energy security nexus: critical analysis of an energy 'love triangle' in Southeast Asia". Third World Quarterly. 28 (3): 539–554. doi:10.1080/01436590701192710. S2CID 154819073.
  25. ^ Kirchherr, Julian; Pomun, Teerapong; Walton, Matthew J. (2016). "Mapping the Social Impacts of 'Damocles Projects': The Case of Thailand's (as yet Unbuilt) Kaeng Suea Ten Dam". Journal of International Development. 30 (3): 474–492. doi:10.1002/jid.3246.
  26. ^ IFC (2018). Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Myanmar Hydropower Sector - Final Report (Report). International Finance Corporation. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  27. ^ ICEM (2010). Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment for Hydropower on the Mekong Mainstream - Final Report (PDF) (Report). Mekong River Commission. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  28. ^ HDR; DHI (2015). Study on the Impacts of Mainstream Hydropower on the Mekong River (PDF) (Report). Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (Vietnam). Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  29. ^ a b c d "MERFI, 2024. Dataset on the Dams of the Greater Mekong". Bangkok: Mekong Region Futures Institute. Retrieved 2024-04-04.
  30. ^ Piman, Thanapon; Cochrane, Thomas A.; Arias, Maricio E.; Green, Anthony; Dat, N.D. (1999). "Assessment of Flow Changes from Hydropower Development and Operations in Sekong, Sesan, and Srepok Rivers of the Mekong Basin". Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management. 139 (6): 723–732. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)WR.1943-5452.0000286.
  31. ^ MRC (2005). Overview of the Hydrology of the Mekong Basin (PDF) (Report). Mekong River Commission. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  32. ^ Campbell, Ian C. (2009). "Introduction". In Campbell, Ian C. (ed.). The Mekong: biophysical environment of an international river basin. Amsterdam: Academic Press. pp. 1–11. ISBN 978-0-12-374026-7.
  33. ^ Stone, Richard (August 12, 1999). "Mayhem on the Mekong". Science. 333 (6044): 814–818. doi:10.1126/science.333.6044.814. PMID 21835993.
  34. ^ Hecht, Jory S.; Lacombe, Guillaume; Arias, Mauricio E.; Dang, Thanh Duc; Piman, Thanapon (2019). "Hydropower dams of the Mekong River basin: A review of their hydrological impacts". Journal of Hydrology. 568 (2019): 285–300. Bibcode:2019JHyd..568..285H. doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.10.045. S2CID 134742210.
  35. ^ Ngor, Peng Bun; McCann, Kevin S.; Grenouillet, Gaël; So, Nam; McMeans, Bailey C.; Fraser, Evan; Lek, Sovan (2018). "Evidence of indiscriminate fishing effects in one of the world's largest inland fisheries". Scientific Reports. 8 (1): 8947. Bibcode:2018NatSR...8.8947N. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-27340-1. PMC 5997758. PMID 29895943.
  36. ^ a b Pukinskis, Ilse; Geheb, Kim (2012). "The Impacts of Dams on the Fisheries of the Mekong". CGSpace. Vientiane: WLE Greater Mekong. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  37. ^ Baran, Eric; Guerin, Eric; Nasielski, Joshua (2015). Fish, sediment and dams in the Mekong (PDF) (Report). Penang: WorldFish and WLE Greater Mekong. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  38. ^ World Commission on Dams (2000). Dams and development - a new framework for decision-making. The Report of the World Commission on Dams (PDF). London: Earthscan. ISBN 9781853837982. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  39. ^ a b c Yoshida, Yuichiro; Lee, Han Soo; Trung, Bui Huy; Tran, Hoang-Dung; Lall, Marian Keshlav; Kakar, Kifayatullah; Xuan, Tran Dung (2020). "Impacts of Mainstream Hydropower Dams on Fisheries and Agriculture in Lower Mekong Basin". Sustainability. 12 (6): 2408. doi:10.3390/su12062408.
  40. ^ MRC (2020). Assessment of fisheries yield in the lower Mekong River Basin 2020 (PDF) (Report). Vientiane: Mekong River Commission. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  41. ^ a b c MRC (2010). State of the Basin Report 2010 (PDF) (Report). Vientiane: Mekong River Commission. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
  42. ^ a b c Kondolf, George M.; Rubin, Zan K.; Minear, J. Toby (2014). "Dams on the Mekong: Cumulative sediment starvation". Environmental Management. 50 (6): 5158–5169. Bibcode:2014WRR....50.5158K. doi:10.1002/2013WR014651.
  43. ^ Kummu, Matti; Varis, Olli (2007). "Sediment-related impacts due to upstream reservoir trapping, the Lower Mekong River". Geomorphology. 85 (3–4): 275–293. Bibcode:2007Geomo..85..275K. doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.03.024.
  44. ^ a b c MRC (2019). State of the Basin Report 2018 (PDF) (Report). Vientiane: Mekong River Commission. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  45. ^ Allison, Mead; Nittrouer, Charles; Ogston, Andrea; Mullarney, Julia; Nguyen, Thanh (2017). "Sedimentation and Survival of the Mekong Delta: A Case Study of Decreased Sediment Supply and Accelerating Rates of Relative Sea Level Rise" (PDF). Oceanography. 30 (3): 98–109. Bibcode:2017Ocgry..30...98A. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2017.318.
  46. ^ Piman, Thanapon; Shrestha, Manish (2017). Case study on sediment in the Mekong River Basin: Current state and future trends (PDF) (Report). Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  47. ^ Fu, K.D.; He, D.M.; Lu, X.X. (2008). "Sedimentation in the Manwan reservoir in the Upper Mekong and its downstream impacts". Quaternary International. 186 (1): 91–99. Bibcode:2008QuInt.186...91F. doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2007.09.041.
  48. ^ PROFOR (2011). Improving Forest Governance in the Mekong Region: Options for Regional Activities in Sup-port of National Programs - Volume 1 (PDF) (Report). Washington D.C.: Program on Forests. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  49. ^ Thomas, Ian Lloyd (2015). Drivers of Deforestation in the Greater Mekong Subregion: Laos Country Report (PDF) (Report). USAID Lowering Emissions in Asia’s Forests (USAID LEAF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  50. ^ Tong, Pei Sin (2009). Lao People's Democratic Republic Forestry Outlook Study (PDF) (Report). Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  51. ^ Sopera, Danzig (2022). Corruption and water governance in the Mekong River Basin (PDF) (Report). U4 Issue 2022:12. Bergen: U4 Anti-Corruption Research Centre, Chr. Michelsen Institute. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  52. ^ Seliger, Carina; Zeiringer, Bernhard (2009). "River Connectivity, Habitat Fragmentation and Related Restoration Measures". In Schmutz, Stefan; Sendzimir, Jan (eds.). Riverine ecosystem management: science for Governing towards a sustainable future (PDF). Cham: SpringerOpen. pp. 171–186. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-73250-3. ISBN 978-3-319-73250-3. S2CID 24785869.
  53. ^ a b Wohl, Ellen (June 15, 2017). "Connectivity in rivers". Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment. 41 (3): 345–362. Bibcode:2017PrPG...41..345W. doi:10.1177/0309133317714972. S2CID 133801720.
  54. ^ Grill, Günter; Ouellet Dallaire, Camille; Fluet Chouinard, Etienne; Sindorf, Nikolai; Lehner, Berhard (2014). "Development of new indicators to evaluate river fragmentation and flow regulation at large scales: A case study for the Mekong River Basin". Ecological Indicators. 45 (2014): 148–159. Bibcode:2014EcInd..45..148G. doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2014.03.026.
  55. ^ a b Deemer, Bridget R.; Harrison, John A.; Li, Siyue; Beaulieu, Jake J.; DelSontro, Tonya; Barros, Nathan; Bezerra-Neto, José F.; Power, Stephen M.; dos Santos, Marco A.; Vonk, J. Arie (2016). "Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Reservoir Water Surfaces: A New Global Synthesis". BioScience. 66 (11): 949–964. doi:10.1093/biosci/biw117. PMC 7425809. PMID 32801383.
  56. ^ Yan, Xingcheng; Thieu, Vincent; Garnier, Josette (2020). "Long-Term Evolution of Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Global Reservoirs". Front. Environ. Sci. 9 (2021): 2408. doi:10.3389/fenvs.2021.705477.
  57. ^ a b c d Räsänen, Timo; Varis, Olli; Scherer, Laura; Kummu, Matti (2018). "Greenhouse gas emissions of hydropower in the Mekong River Basin". Environ. Res. Lett. 13 (2018): 034030. Bibcode:2018ERL....13c4030R. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/aaa817. hdl:1887/68808.
  58. ^ Fenton, Nina; Lindelow, Magnus; Heinimann, Andreas; Thomas, Ian (2011). The socio-geography of mining and hydro in Lao PDR: Analysis Combining GIS Information with Socioeconomic Data (PDF) (Report). Washington D.C.: World Bank. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  59. ^ Vientiane Times (2019-03-29). "12,000 Lao families relocated for hydropower projects". Vientiane Times. Vientiane. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
[edit]