Vision 2050

A move toward more sustainable energy is desirable
A MOVE TOWARD MORE
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IS
DESIRABLE
The Greater Mekong countries are
going through a period of rapid
socioeconomic development, and
this is reflected in their power
sector’s composition.
The current power mix in Laos, is largely based on hydropower and
fossil fuels, with more hydropower and coal plants being planned
in the future. Governments understandably seek to meet growing
energy needs with low-cost investments, notwithstanding potential
long term risks or environmental impacts. However, the answer to
their concerns may actually reside in investing in fully renewable
and more sustainable energy, moving away from unsustainable
production.
Hydro power can have severe social and environmental impacts
Whereas sustainable hydropower can boost economies and
help provide energy security, concerns have intensified over the
potential cumulative impacts of large dams on the environment,
fisheries, and people’s livelihoods. For instance, building dams on
rivers:
● Impacts the river’s natural hydrological flows affecting all users
of water resources and ecosystems.
● Blocks fish migration with negative consequences not only on
biodiversity but on wild capture fisheries and the immense income
they provide to local people and economies at large.
● Blocks sediment and nutrient transfer which causes river bed
incision and associated lowering of water tables, erosion of river
banks, subsidence of deltas, increasing coastal erosion and salt
intrusion, leading to reduction of agriculture and aquaculture
yields.
● Often requires people relocation, with negative social
consequences as people lose their homes and land.
● Impacts the livelihoods of all river users through changes in
water quality.
8
Each year, a large and diverse fish migration takes place in the
Lower Mekong River, when hundreds of species of fish move