Hydropower has long been seen as a reliable renewable energy source. But during drought and heavy rain, hydropower plants often come to a standstill. Will climate change spell the end for this clean energy alternative?
Mekong River threatened by dams and climate change
Thailand losing interest?
The latest Laotian dam project is the Chinese-funded Sanakham dam, which is under construction around 2 kilometers upstream from the border with Thailand.
Not all Thai government stakeholders are showing robust support for the new dam, said Brian Eyler, director of the Southeast Asia program at the Stimson Center.
The Office of National Water Resources of Thailand (ONWR), for instance, has warned the country might refuse to buy power from the dam, citing concerns over environmental impacts.
The opposition in Thailand to the Sanakham dam could spell the end of the project, even if investors are counting on Thailand s energy authority to be the primary customer of the power generated.
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