HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT IN LAOS
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Authors
Morgan, Clark J.
Subjects
hydroelectric
dams
environmental
renewable energy
development
developing states
trans-boundary
Laos
dams
environmental
renewable energy
development
developing states
trans-boundary
Laos
Advisors
Meierding, Emily L.
Date of Issue
2020-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Laos’s 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. Laos’s 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, Laos’s 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. Laos’s actions reveal short-term economic goals were pursued over consideration of the impact on the people and environment.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.