Hydroelectric Development in Laos
Abstract
Laoss pursuit of hydroelectric development for economic development and to become the Battery of Asia has achieved short-term goals. Long-term growth is inconclusive as environmental damage from each dam is changing agriculture and fishery production in Laos. This thesis used the World Energy Council Trilemma to assess the impact of increased hydroelectric availability. Laoss energy security has remained marginally improved with the increased availability of electrical power, but this does not address deficiencies with access to petroleum. Energy equity improved from higher electrification and affordable energy to the population. According to the Trilemma, Laoss use of hydropower improves environmental sustainability. The Trilemma does not consider the social, agriculture, or fishery impacts of hydropower development. The Nam Theun 2 dam demonstrates that the people and environment are negatively impacted, but the full impact remains to be seen in the next ten years. Laoss actions reveal short-term economic goals were pursued over consideration of the impact on the people and environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1114269
Entities
People
- Clark J. Morgan
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School