Hydropower in the Mekong River Basin

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.

Ubol Ratana Dam in Thailand

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

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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]

ProjectCountryLocationCODInstalled capacity (MW)Status
SamborCambodia12°47′13″N 105°56′19″E / 12.786849°N 105.938582°E / 12.786849; 105.938582 (Sambor HPP)N/A2,600Cancelled
Stung TrengCambodia13°34′31″N 105°59′00″E / 13.575317°N 105.98345°E / 13.575317; 105.98345 (Stung Treng HPP)N/A980Cancelled
AngsaiChina32°28′00″N 95°23′39″E / 32.466805°N 95.394246°E / 32.466805; 95.394246 (Angsai HPP)?55Planned
BaitaChina28°58′51″N 98°37′36″E / 28.980898°N 98.626669°E / 28.980898; 98.626669 (Baita HPP)??Planned
BandaChina30°12′00″N 97°56′01″E / 30.2°N 97.93365°E / 30.2; 97.93365 (Banda HPP)?1,000Planned
BangduoChina29°28′11″N 98°23′41″E / 29.469708°N 98.394729°E / 29.469708; 98.394729 (Bangduo HPP)?720Planned
DachaoshanChina24°01′30″N 100°22′13″E / 24.024947°N 100.3703°E / 24.024947; 100.3703 (Dachaoshan HPP)20031,350Commissioned
DahuaqiaoChina26°18′29″N 99°08′21″E / 26.308096°N 99.139288°E / 26.308096; 99.139288 (Dahuaqiao HPP)2018920Commissioned
DongzhongChina31°52′22″N 96°59′24″E / 31.872777°N 96.99°E / 31.872777; 96.99 (Dahuaqiao HPP)?108Planned
GanlanbaChina21°50′38″N 100°56′17″E / 21.843867°N 100.937917°E / 21.843867; 100.937917 (Ganlanba HPP)?155Planned
GongguoqiaoChina25°35′09″N 99°20′08″E / 25.585917°N 99.335567°E / 25.585917; 99.335567 (Gongguoqiao HPP)2012900Commissioned
GuoduoChina31°31′45″N 97°11′29″E / 31.529089°N 97.191279°E / 31.529089; 97.191279 (Guoduo HPP)2015160Commissioned
GuonianChina28°19′09″N 98°52′06″E / 28.319211°N 98.868424°E / 28.319211; 98.868424 (Guonian HPP)N/A1,200Cancelled
GushuiChina28°36′31″N 98°44′46″E / 28.608683°N 98.746133°E / 28.608683; 98.746133 (Gushui HPP)?2,600Planned
HuangdengChina26°32′54″N 99°06′46″E / 26.548199°N 99.112669°E / 26.548199; 99.112669 (Huangdeng HPP)20171,900Commissioned
JinghongChina22°03′12″N 100°45′59″E / 22.053206°N 100.766478°E / 22.053206; 100.766478 (Jinghong HPP)20091,750Commissioned
LidiChina27°50′53″N 99°01′50″E / 27.848016°N 99.030555°E / 27.848016; 99.030555 (Lidi HPP)2019420Commissioned
Lin ChangChina31°10′49″N 97°11′07″E / 31.1804°N 97.1852°E / 31.1804; 97.1852 (Lin Chang HPP)?72Planned
LongqingxiaChina32°53′03″N 95°21′01″E / 32.884167°N 95.350283°E / 32.884167; 95.350283 (Longqingxia HPP)20062.5Commissioned
ManwanChina24°37′20″N 100°26′55″E / 24.622086°N 100.448544°E / 24.622086; 100.448544 (Manwan HPP)19951,570Commissioned
MengsongChina21°46′49″N 101°08′51″E / 21.780267°N 101.147367°E / 21.780267; 101.147367 (Mengsong HPP)N/A600Cancelled
MiaoweiChina25°51′15″N 99°09′47″E / 25.854121°N 99.163155°E / 25.854121; 99.163155 (Miaowei HPP)20171,400Commissioned
NuozhaduChina22°38′32″N 100°26′11″E / 22.642128°N 100.436336°E / 22.642128; 100.436336 (Nuozhadu HPP)20145,850Commissioned
QuzikaChina30°02′23″N 97°53′22″E / 30.039854°N 97.889503°E / 30.039854; 97.889503 (Quzika HPP)?405Planned
Ru MeiChina29°39′00″N 98°20′52″E / 29.649933°N 98.3477°E / 29.649933; 98.3477 (Ru Mei HPP)?2,100Planned
SidigeChina30°59′06″N 97°20′20″E / 30.985°N 97.339°E / 30.985; 97.339 (Cege HPP)?129Planned
TuobaChina27°11′39″N 99°06′27″E / 27.194231°N 99.107516°E / 27.194231; 99.107516 (Tuoba HPP)20241,400Commissioned
WunonglongChina27°55′57″N 98°56′00″E / 27.932554°N 98.9333°E / 27.932554; 98.9333 (Wunonglong HPP)2018990Commissioned
XiaowanChina24°42′15″N 100°05′29″E / 24.7042226°N 100.091255°E / 24.7042226; 100.091255 (Xiaowan HPP)20104,200Commissioned
Yue LongChina30°52′05″N 97°20′50″E / 30.868008°N 97.347124°E / 30.868008; 97.347124 (Yue Long HPP)2030100Planned
Ban KoumLaos15°25′04″N 105°35′15″E / 15.417881°N 105.587364°E / 15.417881; 105.587364 (Ban Koum HPP)20301,872Planned
Don SahongLaos13°57′22″N 105°57′51″E / 13.956223°N 105.964247°E / 13.956223; 105.964247 (Don Sahong HPP)2020240Commissioned
Luang PrabangLaos20°04′00″N 102°11′32″E / 20.06663°N 102.192339°E / 20.06663; 102.192339 (Luang Prabang HPP)20301,460Under construction
Pak ChomLaos18°12′04″N 102°03′02″E / 18.201038°N 102.050588°E / 18.201038; 102.050588 (Pak Chom HPP)?1,079Planned
Pak BengLaos19°50′58″N 101°01′10″E / 19.849455°N 101.019507°E / 19.849455; 101.019507 (Pak Beng HPP)2033912Planned
Pak LayLaos18°24′05″N 101°35′01″E / 18.401361°N 101.58362°E / 18.401361; 101.58362 (Pak Lay HPP)2029728Planned
Phoug NoiLaos15°03′01″N 105°50′55″E / 15.050186°N 105.848498°E / 15.050186; 105.848498 (Phoug Noi HPP)2029728Planned
SanakhamLaos17°49′45″N 101°33′25″E / 17.829183°N 101.556969°E / 17.829183; 101.556969 (Sanakham HPP)2028684Planned. As of Q4 2024, "the government [is being urged] to delay the public hearing process", according to media.[30]
ThakoLaos13°57′33″N 105°59′17″E / 13.959072°N 105.988047°E / 13.959072; 105.988047 (Thako HPP)N/A86-172Cancelled
XayaburiLaos19°15′14″N 101°48′49″E / 19.254006°N 101.813699°E / 19.254006; 101.813699 (Xayaburi HPP)20191,285Commissioned

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

Existing hydropower infrastructure in the Mekong River Basin

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

ProjectCountryRiverLocationCODInstalled capacity (MW)Mean Annual Energy (GWh)Height (m)Crest length (m)Total storage (million m3)Max reservoir area (km2)
Lower Sesan 2CambodiaSesan13°33′05″N 106°15′50″E / 13.551408°N 106.263841°E / 13.551408; 106.263841 (Lower Sesan 2 HPP)20184002,312457,7291,790335
DachaoshanChinaMekong24°01′30″N 100°22′13″E / 24.024947°N 100.3703°E / 24.024947; 100.3703 (Dachaoshan HPP)20031,3505,50011548189026.25
DahuaqiaoChinaMekong26°18′29″N 99°08′21″E / 26.308096°N 99.139288°E / 26.308096; 99.139288 (Dahuaqiao HPP)20189204,070106231.5293
GanlanbaChinaMekong21°50′38″N 100°56′17″E / 21.843867°N 100.937917°E / 21.843867; 100.937917 (Ganlanba HPP)20151551,17760.545857758
GongguoqiaoChinaMekong25°35′09″N 99°20′08″E / 25.585917°N 99.335567°E / 25.585917; 99.335567 (Gongguoqiao HPP)20129004,041105356316343
GuoduoChinaMekong31°31′45″N 97°11′29″E / 31.529089°N 97.191279°E / 31.529089; 97.191279 (Guoduo HPP)201516082393235.583
HuangdengChinaMekong26°32′54″N 99°06′46″E / 26.548199°N 99.112669°E / 26.548199; 99.112669 (Huangdeng HPP)20171,9008,5782034571,613
JinfengChinaNan La He21°35′31″N 101°13′30″E / 21.592026°N 101.225135°E / 21.592026; 101.225135 (Jinfeng HPP)19981664.34519.48
JinghongChinaMekong22°03′12″N 100°45′59″E / 22.053206°N 100.766478°E / 22.053206; 100.766478 (Jinghong HPP)20091,7505,570108705.51,140510
JinheChinaJin He30°48′22″N 97°19′59″E / 30.806181°N 97.332926°E / 30.806181; 97.332926 (Jinhe HPP)2004603673468.44.27
LaoyinyanChinaGua Lan Zi He/Shun Dian He24°28′09″N 99°49′03″E / 24.469128°N 99.81754°E / 24.469128; 99.81754 (Laoyinyan HPP)1997164.21,092
LidiChinaMekong27°50′53″N 99°01′50″E / 27.848016°N 99.030555°E / 27.848016; 99.030555 (Lidi HPP)20194201,75375346.4753.7
Luozhahe 1ChinaLuo Zha He24°30′19″N 100°27′06″E / 24.505207°N 100.451749°E / 24.505207; 100.451749 (Luozhahe 1 HPP)2018301355914.33
Luozhahe 2ChinaLuo Zha He24°29′13″N 100°24′08″E / 24.486867°N 100.402128°E / 24.486867; 100.402128 (Luozhahe 2 HPP)2016{50225713,391
ManwanChinaMekong24°37′20″N 100°26′55″E / 24.622086°N 100.448544°E / 24.622086; 100.448544 (Manwan HPP)19951,5706,710132418920415
MiaoweiChinaMekong25°51′15″N 99°09′47″E / 25.854121°N 99.163155°E / 25.854121; 99.163155 (Miaowei HPP)20171,4005,999140660
Nanhe 1ChinaLuo Zha He24°20′33″N 100°00′44″E / 24.342442°N 100.012183°E / 24.342442; 100.012183 (Nanhe 1 HPP)20094017056.814811.36
Nanhe 2ChinaLuo Zha He24°22′38″N 100°03′00″E / 24.377086°N 100.050098°E / 24.377086; 100.050098 (Nanhe 2 HPP)?25100
NuozhaduChinaMekong22°38′32″N 100°26′11″E / 22.642128°N 100.436336°E / 22.642128; 100.436336 (Nuozhadu HPP)20145,85023,91226260823,703320
TuobaChinaMekong27°11′39″N 99°06′27″E / 27.194231°N 99.107516°E / 27.194231; 99.107516 (Tuoba HPP)20241,400Commissioned
WunonglongChinaMekong27°55′57″N 98°56′00″E / 27.932554°N 98.9333°E / 27.932554; 98.9333 (Wunonglong HPP)20189904,116138247284
XiaowanChinaMekong24°42′15″N 100°05′29″E / 24.7042226°N 100.091255°E / 24.7042226; 100.091255 (Xiaowan HPP)20104,20018,99029589314,560194
Xi'er He 1ChinaXi'er He25°34′44″N 100°12′09″E / 25.578801°N 100.202419°E / 25.578801; 100.202419 (Xi'er He 1 HPP)1979105440
Xi'er He 2ChinaXi'er He25°33′43″N 100°07′52″E / 25.561991°N 100.131191°E / 25.561991; 100.131191 (Xi'er He 2 HPP)198750371220.2
Xi'er He 3ChinaXi'er He25°33′31″N 100°06′28″E / 25.558584°N 100.107878°E / 25.558584; 100.107878 (Xi'er He 3 HPP)19885022321
Xi'er He 4ChinaXi'er He25°34′35″N 100°03′56″E / 25.576262°N 100.065574°E / 25.576262; 100.065574 (Xi'er He 4 HPP)19715014
XunCunChinaHei Hui Jiang25°25′19″N 99°59′36″E / 25.421835°N 99.993301°E / 25.421835; 99.993301 (XunCun HPP)1999783456716574
Mong WaMyanmarNam Lwe21°23′49″N 100°19′33″E / 21.396967°N 100.32584°E / 21.396967; 100.32584 (Mong Wa HPP)201766330.4551788.01
Don SahongLaosMekong13°57′22″N 105°57′51″E / 13.956223°N 105.964247°E / 13.956223; 105.964247 (Don Sahong HPP)20202402,000256,800252.2
Houay HoLaosHouayho/Xekong15°03′34″N 106°45′52″E / 15.059464°N 106.764377°E / 15.059464; 106.764377 (Houayho HPP)1999152450793,53037
Houay La NgeLaosHouay La-Nge15°46′30″N 107°03′18″E / 15.774865°N 107.054896°E / 15.774865; 107.054896 (Houay La Nge HPP)202360290581791493.6
Houay Lamphan GnaiLaosXekong15°21′23″N 106°29′56″E / 15.356495°N 106.498949°E / 15.356495; 106.498949 (Houay Lamphan Gnai HPP)201584.84807774.51409
Houay PorLaosHouay Por15°32′44″N 106°15′24″E / 15.545605°N 106.256763°E / 15.545605; 106.256763 (Houay Por HPP)2018157560.76
Lower Houay Lam PhanhLaosHouay Lamphan15°19′17″N 106°37′48″E / 15.321515°N 106.630123°E / 15.321515; 106.630123 (Lower Houay Lam Phanh HPP)202215685552373.9
Nam AoLaosNam Ao19°09′39″N 103°16′59″E / 19.160876°N 103.283107°E / 19.160876; 103.283107 (Nam Ao HPP)2023159226130524.9
Nam BengLaosNam Beng19°56′47″N 101°14′15″E / 19.946436°N 101.237563°E / 19.946436; 101.237563 (Nam Beng HPP)20143614525.584.83,6110.7
Nam Che 1LaosNam Che19°03′17″N 103°30′49″E / 19.054645°N 103.513536°E / 19.054645; 103.513536 (Nam Che 1 HPP)201916.82350
Nam Chien 1LaosNam Che19°08′43″N 103°33′26″E / 19.145395°N 103.557259°E / 19.145395; 103.557259 (Nam Chien 1 HPP)2018104448.268.836714
Nam Houng 1LaosNam Houng19°11′24″N 101°48′23″E / 19.189914°N 101.806322°E / 19.189914; 101.806322 (Nam Young 1 HPP)202315571.52
Nam Khan 2LaosNam Khan19°41′07″N 102°22′11″E / 19.685364°N 102.369791°E / 19.685364; 102.369791 (Nam Khan 2 HPP)201513055816040530.5
Nam Khan 3LaosNam Khan19°44′49″N 102°13′22″E / 19.747016°N 102.222793°E / 19.747016; 102.222793 (Nam Khan 3 HPP)2016884807774.51409
Nam Kong 1LaosNam Kong14°32′47″N 106°44′27″E / 14.546513°N 106.740933°E / 14.546513; 106.740933 (Nam Kong HPP 1)20211606498738667921.8
Nam Kong 2LaosNam Kong14°29′41″N 106°51′24″E / 14.494672°N 106.856669°E / 14.494672; 106.856669 (Nam Kong HPP 2)2018662645021071.44.2
Nam Kong 3LaosNam Kong14°33′59″N 106°54′45″E / 14.566338°N 106.912551°E / 14.566338; 106.912551 (Nam Kong 3 HPP)2021542046550047132
Nam LeukLaosNam Leuk/Nam Ngum18°26′15″N 102°56′48″E / 18.437406°N 102.94675°E / 18.437406; 102.94675 (Nam Leuk HPP)20006021551.580018517.2
Nam Lik 1LaosNam Lik18°37′10″N 102°23′14″E / 18.619438°N 102.387252°E / 18.619438; 102.387252 (Nam Lik 1 HPP)20196425636.57222.3
Nam Lik 1-2LaosNam Lik18°47′38″N 102°07′00″E / 18.793782°N 102.116714°E / 18.793782; 102.116714 (Nam Lik 1-2 HPP)20101004351033281124.4
Nam Mang 1LaosNam Mang18°32′03″N 103°11′47″E / 18.53423°N 103.196286°E / 18.53423; 103.196286 (Nam Mang 1 HPP)2016642257028016.50.148
Nam Mang 3LaosNam Gnogn18°20′58″N 102°45′55″E / 18.349383°N 102.765244°E / 18.349383; 102.765244 (Nam Mang 3 HPP)200440150281514910
Nam Ngiep 1LaosNam Ngiep18°38′45″N 103°33′08″E / 18.645828°N 103.552329°E / 18.645828; 103.552329 (Nam Ngiep 1 HPP)20192721,5461675301,19267
Nam Ngiep 1 (DS)LaosNam Ngiep18°38′53″N 103°34′18″E / 18.647966°N 103.571591°E / 18.647966; 103.571591 (Nam Ngiep 1 (DS) HPP)20191810520904.61.27
Nam Ngiep 2LaosNam Ngiep19°14′36″N 103°17′02″E / 19.243328°N 103.283818°E / 19.243328; 103.283818 (Nam Ngiep 2 HPP)201518073270.5163
Nam Ngiep 2BLaosNam Ngiep19°09′21″N 103°20′46″E / 19.155918°N 103.346031°E / 19.155918; 103.346031 (Nam Ngiep 2B HPP)20151876
Nam Ngiep 3ALaosNam Ngiep19°14′37″N 103°17′02″E / 19.243546°N 103.283913°E / 19.243546; 103.283913 (Nam Ngiep 3A HPP)2014441443011013.851.8
Nam Ngum 1LaosNam Ngum18°31′52″N 102°32′51″E / 18.531068°N 102.547577°E / 18.531068; 102.547577 (Nam Ngum 1 HPP)19713151,455704684,700370
Nam Ngum 2LaosNam Ngum18°45′19″N 102°46′35″E / 18.755374°N 102.776476°E / 18.755374; 102.776476 (Nam Ngum 2 HPP)20116152,300181.54213,590122.2
Nam Ngum 5LaosNam Ngum19°21′22″N 102°37′16″E / 19.356095°N 102.621196°E / 19.356095; 102.621196 (Nam Ngum 5 HPP)2012120507104.525831414.6
Nam Ou 1LaosNam Ou20°05′18″N 102°15′55″E / 20.0883°N 102.265379°E / 20.0883; 102.265379 (Nam Ou 1 HPP)20191607106544289.19.56
Nam Ou 2LaosNam Ou20°24′42″N 102°28′22″E / 20.411698°N 102.472817°E / 20.411698; 102.472817 (Nam Ou 2 HPP)201612054655352121.715.7
Nam Ou 3LaosNam Ou20°41′43″N 102°39′55″E / 20.695251°N 102.665404°E / 20.695251; 102.665404 (Nam Ou 3 HPP)202015068572340168.613.26
Nam Ou 4LaosNam Ou21°07′13″N 102°29′39″E / 21.120153°N 102.494173°E / 21.120153; 102.494173 (Nam Ou 4 HPP)2020116524473001249.37
Nam Ou 5LaosNam Ou21°24′41″N 102°20′39″E / 21.411349°N 102.344263°E / 21.411349; 102.344263 (Nam Ou 5 HPP)20162401,0497433517.22
Nam Ou 6LaosNam Ou21°24′41″N 102°20′39″E / 21.411349°N 102.344263°E / 21.411349; 102.344263 (Nam Ou 6 HPP)20161807398840917.01
Nam Ou 7LaosNam Ou22°04′40″N 102°15′52″E / 22.07779°N 102.264436°E / 22.07779; 102.264436 (Nam Ou 7 HPP)20201908111478251,49438.16
Nam Pha GnaiLaosNam Pha Gnai19°00′48″N 102°15′52″E / 19.013318°N 102.264436°E / 19.013318; 102.264436 (Nam Pha Gnai HPP)201619.2130651481.5
Nam PhayLaosNam Phay19°06′34″N 102°45′27″E / 19.109357°N 102.757461°E / 19.109357; 102.757461 (Nam Phay HPP)201886419.518.92
Nam San 3ALaosNam San19°07′45″N 103°39′42″E / 19.129193°N 103.661752°E / 19.129193; 103.661752 (Nam San 3A HPP)201669278.4753501238.5
Nam San 3BLaosNam San19°05′08″N 103°37′12″E / 19.085633°N 103.619938°E / 19.085633; 103.619938 (Nam San 3B HPP)201545198
Nam Tha 1LaosNam Tha20°14′58″N 100°53′33″E / 20.249467°N 100.892433°E / 20.249467; 100.892433 (Nam Tha 1 HPP)2018168759.493.7349.21,755113.9
Nam Tha Had MuakLaosNam Tha20°14′34″N 100°42′44″E / 20.24264°N 100.712302°E / 20.24264; 100.712302 (Nam Tha 1 HPP)202237.5102.67
Nam Theun 1LaosNam Theun18°21′24″N 104°08′53″E / 18.356733°N 104.148017°E / 18.356733; 104.148017 (Nam Theun 1 HPP)20226502,5611777712,77293.6
Nam Theun 2LaosNam Theun/Xe Bangfai17°59′50″N 104°57′08″E / 17.997353°N 104.952306°E / 17.997353; 104.952306 (Nam Theun 2 HPP)20101,0755,936483253,500450
Theun-HinbounLaosNam Theun18°15′40″N 104°33′45″E / 18.261005°N 104.562525°E / 18.261005; 104.562525 (Theun-Hinboun Hydropower Plant)19982201,645488101,30049
Theun-Hinboun Expansion ProjectLaosNam Gnouang18°17′50″N 104°38′10″E / 18.297248°N 104.636171°E / 18.297248; 104.636171 (Theun-Hinboun Expansion Project)20132221,395654802,45049
XayaburiLaosMekong19°15′14″N 101°48′49″E / 19.254006°N 101.813699°E / 19.254006; 101.813699 (Xayaburi HPP)20191,2856,035488101,30049
Xe Kaman 1LaosXe Kaman14°57′39″N 107°09′23″E / 14.960724°N 107.156336°E / 14.960724; 107.156336 (Xe Kaman 1 HPP)20182901,0961201854,804149.8
Xe Kaman 3LaosXe Kaman15°25′31″N 107°21′45″E / 15.425194°N 107.362611°E / 15.425194; 107.362611 (Xe Kaman 3 HPP)20142501,000102543141.55.2
Xe Kaman-SanxayLaosXe Kaman14°53′20″N 107°07′02″E / 14.888908°N 107.117133°E / 14.888908; 107.117133 (Xe Kaman-Sanxay HPP)201832131.2281801.76
Xe Lanong 1LaosXe Lanong16°21′23″N 106°14′19″E / 16.356276°N 106.238749°E / 16.356276; 106.238749 (Xe Lanong 1 HPP)202070269.967.5302953
Xepian-XenamnoyLaosXepian/Xenamnoy15°01′34″N 106°37′39″E / 15.026115°N 106.627369°E / 15.026115; 106.627369 (Xepian-Xenamnoy HPP)20194271,788731,6001,04350.6
Xe Nam Noy - Xe KatamLaosXenamnoi/Xekatam15°07′05″N 106°37′00″E / 15.117928°N 106.616688°E / 15.117928; 106.616688 (Xepian-Xenamnoy HPP)201620.183
Xeset 1LaosXeset15°29′31″N 106°16′43″E / 15.49200°N 106.27867°E / 15.49200; 106.27867 (Xeset 1 HPP)19944515418124
Xeset 2LaosXeset15°24′14″N 106°16′49″E / 15.403775°N 106.280332°E / 15.403775; 106.280332 (Xeset 1 HPP)20097630926144
Xeset 3LaosXe Don15°20′32″N 106°18′40″E / 15.342113°N 106.31115°E / 15.342113; 106.31115 (Xeset 3 HPP)20172380111.3
ChulabhornThailandNam Phrom16°32′11″N 101°39′00″E / 16.536267°N 101.650036°E / 16.536267; 101.650036 (Chulabhorn HPP)197240937070016531
Lam Ta KhongThailandLam Ta Khong14°51′55″N 101°33′37″E / 14.865175°N 101.560303°E / 14.865175; 101.560303 (Lam Ta Khong HPP)197450040040.325131037
Pak MunThailandMun15°16′55″N 105°28′05″E / 15.2818942°N 105.468058°E / 15.2818942; 105.468058 (Pak Mun HPP)199413628017300
SirindhornThailandLam Dom Noi15°12′23″N 105°25′45″E / 15.206339°N 105.429156°E / 15.206339; 105.429156 (Siridhorn HPP)19713686429401,967288
Ubol RatanaThailandNam Pong16°46′31″N 102°37′06″E / 16.775394°N 102.618325°E / 16.775394; 102.618325 (Ubol Ratana HPP)196625.25735.18852,559410
A LuoiVietnamA Sap16°11′51″N 107°09′43″E / 16.197619°N 107.161897°E / 16.197619; 107.161897 (A Luoi HPP)201217068649.5208
Buon KuopVietnamSre Pok12°31′30″N 107°55′33″E / 12.52504°N 107.925762°E / 12.52504; 107.925762 (Buon Kop HPP)20092801,455341,828375.57
Buon Tua SraVietnamSe San/Krong Po Ko12°16′56″N 108°02′29″E / 12.282116°N 108.041299°E / 12.282116; 108.041299 (Buon Tua Srah HPP)200986359831,04178741
Dray Hlinh 2VietnamSre Pok12°40′33″N 107°54′14″E / 12.6757°N 107.903978°E / 12.6757; 107.903978 (Dray Hinh 2 HPP)20071685
Hòa PhúVietnamSre Pok12°38′59″N 107°54′33″E / 12.64967°N 107.909128°E / 12.64967; 107.909128 (Hòa Phú HPP)20142913212384.551.6
Krông Nô 2VietnamKrong No12°15′16″N 108°21′20″E / 12.254355°N 108.355469°E / 12.254355; 108.355469 (Krông Nô 2 HPP)2016301099.3
Krông Nô 3VietnamKrong No12°15′16″N 108°21′20″E / 12.254355°N 108.355469°E / 12.254355; 108.355469 (Krông Nô 3 HPP)20161863.542260201.75
Plei KrongVietnamSe San/Krong Po Ko14°24′30″N 107°51′47″E / 14.408227°N 107.862991°E / 14.408227; 107.862991 (Plei Krong HPP)2008100479657451,04953
Sesan 3VietnamSe San14°12′57″N 107°43′19″E / 14.215816°N 107.722061°E / 14.215816; 107.722061 (Sesan 3 HPP)20062601,224796.4
Sesan 3AVietnamSe San14°06′23″N 107°39′28″E / 14.106475°N 107.657753°E / 14.106475; 107.657753 (Sesan 3A HPP)200796
Sesan 4VietnamSe San13°58′06″N 107°29′43″E / 13.968252°N 107.49516°E / 13.968252; 107.49516 (Sesan 4 HPP)20093606054
Sesan 4AVietnamSe San13°56′00″N 107°28′01″E / 13.933374°N 107.46683°E / 13.933374; 107.46683 (Sesan 4 HPP)20093606054
Sre Pok 3VietnamSre Pok12°45′08″N 107°52′36″E / 12.752344°N 107.876769°E / 12.752344; 107.876769 (Sre Pok 3 HPP)200922052.5
Sre Pok 4VietnamSre Pok12°48′26″N 107°51′19″E / 12.807331°N 107.855308°E / 12.807331; 107.855308 (Sre Pok 4 HPP)2009600329.3155860114150
Sre Pok 4AVietnamSre Pok12°53′36″N 107°48′44″E / 12.893464°N 107.812294°E / 12.893464; 107.812294 (Sre Pok 4A HPP)2014308.354
Upper KontumVietnamSe San/Dak Bla/Dak Ngh14°41′39″N 108°13′48″E / 14.694291°N 108.229879°E / 14.694291; 108.229879 (Upper Kontum HPP)20112501,056.4733921747.08
Yali FallsVietnamSe San14°13′39″N 107°49′47″E / 14.227481°N 107.829597°E / 14.227481; 107.829597 (Yali Falls HPP)20017203,658.6651,4601,07364.5
Yan-Tann-SienVietnamYan-Tann-Sien12°09′10″N 108°22′43″E / 12.152824°N 108.37866°E / 12.152824; 108.37866 (Yan-Tann-Sien HPP)201019.579

Notes: COD = Commercial Operating Date

Hydropower infrastructure under construction in the Mekong River Basin

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

ProjectCountryRiverLocationCODInstalled capacity (MW)Mean Annual Energy (GWh)Height (m)Crest length (m)Total storage (million m3)Max reservoir area (km2)
Pursat 1CambodiaPursat12°17′07″N 103°17′56″E / 12.285408°N 103.298828°E / 12.285408; 103.298828 (Pursat 1 Dam)2026803611006871,039
CharikouChinaTsichu32°40′12″N 96°33′42″E / 32.670005°N 96.561546°E / 32.670005; 96.561546 (Charikou Dam)?54121.4198.48421
JiaobaChinaDengqu29°34′46″N 98°18′22″E / 29.579527°N 98.306028°E / 29.579527; 98.306028 (Jiaoba Dam)?6050
Houay KaouaneLaos20°04′00″N 102°11′32″E / 20.06663°N 102.192339°E / 20.06663; 102.192339 (Houay Kaouane)?24
Luang PrabangLaosMekong20°04′00″N 102°11′32″E / 20.06663°N 102.192339°E / 20.06663; 102.192339 (Luang Prabang Dam)20301,4606,500802751,589.572.39
Nam AngLaosNam Ang15°07′21″N 107°06′31″E / 15.122545°N 107.108512°E / 15.122545; 107.108512 (Nam Ang Dam)202431183.30.03
Nam EmounLaosNam Emoun15°34′27″N 106°58′10″E / 15.5743°N 106.969395°E / 15.5743; 106.969395 (Nam Emoun Dam)2025131.5460.59291270.070.16
Nam Hinboun 1LaosNam Hinboun17°43′42″N 104°34′17″E / 17.728201°N 104.571382°E / 17.728201; 104.571382 (Nam Hinboun 1 Dam)20241579.743370
Nam Hinboun 2LaosNam Hinboun18°01′25″N 104°25′30″E / 18.023739°N 104.425006°E / 18.023739; 104.425006 (Nam Hinboun 2 Dam)?30155.2382.57
Nam NgaoLaosNam Hinboun20°23′54″N 100°25′55″E / 20.398288°N 100.431852°E / 20.398288; 100.431852 (Nam Ngao Dam)?1581.169438.62.57
Nam Ngum 3LaosNam Ngum19°05′03″N 102°52′44″E / 19.084097°N 102.878817°E / 19.084097; 102.878817 (Nam Ngum 3 Dam)20244802,3452203951,41127.51
Nam Ngum 4LaosNam Ngum19°27′14″N 103°00′37″E / 19.453804°N 103.010325°E / 19.453804; 103.010325 (Nam Ngum 4 Dam)202424087274110
Nam Phan (Bolevan)LaosNam Phak15°04′32″N 106°08′21″E / 15.075548°N 106.139196°E / 15.075548; 106.139196 (Nam Phan Dam)2025168788
Nam Pot 1LaosNam Pot19°09′19″N 103°15′59″E / 19.15518°N 103.266356°E / 19.15518; 103.266356 (Nam Pot 1 Dam)?20924.9
Xe Lanong 2LaosXe Lanong16°17′31″N 106°31′04″E / 16.291893°N 106.517774°E / 16.291893; 106.517774 (Xe Lanong 2 Dam)?3514355
Xekong A (DS)LaosXekong14°35′57″N 106°33′15″E / 14.599171°N 106.554175°E / 14.599171; 106.554175 (Xekong A (DS))202586334.78.595.0325.4
Xekong 4B (DS)LaosXekong15°44′39″N 106°44′55″E / 15.744284°N 106.748666°E / 15.744284; 106.748666 (Xekong 4B)20271758011171,004.722.4

Notes: COD = Commercial Operating Date

Environmental impacts of Mekong hydropower

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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,[31][32] which drives ecological productivity throughout the system.[33][34] 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.[35] 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.[36] Dams affect fisheries by:[37]

  • 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.[38]
  • 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.[37][39][40]

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.[40] In terms of tonnages, this will represent a loss of between 580 and 750,000 Mt per year.[40]

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 and 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.[41]

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.[42] The balance comes from those parts of the basin in northern Thailand, and the Tibetan gorges.[42][43] 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.[42][44]

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.[45] 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.[45]

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.[43] Much of the Mekong's sediment decline is attributed to the 'trapping efficiency' of dams.[43][45][46][47]

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.[48] 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.[49] It has been estimated that hydropower development contributes to the loss of 13,100 ha of forest a year in Laos.[50] 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.[51] It has been argued that logging represents an additional motivation to hydropower development, and is frequently linked to corrupt actors[clarification needed].[52]

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.[53][54] 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.[54]

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.[55] 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.[56] 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.[56][57]

In the Mekong, one study looked at 119 reservoirs across the basin, and found that these emit between 0.2 and 1,994 kg  of CO2 per MWh over a 100-year lifetime with a median of 26 kg  of CO per MWh.[58] Hydropower reservoirs that also provided irrigation water (22) had generally higher emissions reaching over 22,000 kg  of CO2 per  MWh.[58] 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).[58] 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.[58]

Mekong hydropower and resettlement of affected communities

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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]

ProjectCountryStatusNo. resettled
Battambang 1CambodiaCommissioned4,350
Lower Sesan 2CambodiaCommissioned4,809
Pursat 1CambodiaUnder construction1,436
DachaoshanChinaCommissioned6,363
DahuaqiaoChinaCommissioned4,061
GongguoqiaoChinaCommissioned3,476
HuangdengChinaCommissioned4,415
JinfengChinaCommissioned126
JinghongChinaCommissioned2,264
LidiChinaCommissioned575
Lin ChangChinaCommissioned69
ManwanChinaCommissioned7,260
MiaoweiChinaCommissioned11,036
NuozhaduChinaCommissioned43,602
TuobaChinaUnder construction5,951
WunonglongChinaCommissioned1,268
XiaowanChinaCommissioned38,646
Xu CunChinaCommissioned400
Don SahongLaosCommissioned66
Houay HoLaosCommissioned3,000
Luang PrabangLaosUnder construction12,966
Nam Hinboun 2LaosCommissioned1,200
Nam Kong 1LaosCommissioned1,612
Nam LeukLaosCommissioned134
Nam Lik 1-2LaosCommissioned3,127
Nam Mang 3LaosCommissioned1,200
Nam Ngiep 2LaosCommissioned407
Nam Ngum 1LaosCommissioned3,242
Nam Ngum 2LaosCommissioned6,234
Nam Ngum 3LaosUnder construction523
Nam Ou 1LaosCommissioned3,080
Nam Ou 2LaosCommissioned700
Nam Ou 3LaosCommissioned560
Nam Ou 4LaosCommissioned630
Nam Ou 5LaosCommissioned910
Nam Ou 6LaosCommissioned210
Nam Ou 7LaosCommissioned490
Nam San 3ALaosUnder construction2,832
Nam Tha 1LaosCommissioned10,523
Nam Theun 1LaosCommissioned2,623
Nam Theun 2LaosCommissioned6,200
Theun-HinbounLaosCommissioned4,367
Xe Bang Hieng 2LaosCommissioned2,700
Xe Pian-Xe Nam NoyLaosCommissioned800
Xe Pon 3LaosCommissioned600
Xekong 3BLaosCommissioned240
Xekong 4ALaosCommissioned4,458
Xekong 5LaosCommissioned440
Ubol RatanaThailandCommissioned30,000
A LuoiVietnamCommissioned872
Buôn KốpVietnamCommissioned4,732
Buon Tua SrahVietnamCommissioned2,215
Dray Hinh 1VietnamCommissioned153
Plei KrongVietnamCommissioned6,239
Sesan 3AVietnamCommissioned665
Sesan 4VietnamCommissioned1,021
Sre Pok 3VietnamCommissioned9,279
Upper KontumVietnamCommissioned1,363
YaliVietnamCommissioned24,610

In 2011, it was estimated that hydropower development in Laos would result in the resettlement of between 100,000 and 280,000 people.[59] 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.[60] Similar estimates are not available for other parts of the Mekong River Basin.

See also

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References

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