Laos joins debate on sustainable hydropower development
Laos joins debate on sustainable hydropower development
Sustainability standards which are followed in the developed world can be adopted within large scale hydropower projects in the developing world, according to a senior government official.
“The two can go together - if all stakeholders take a reasonable and practicle approach” Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr Viraphonh Viravong said.
He made the comment while leading the Lao delegation to attend the International Hydropower Association (IHA) 2013 World Congress in Kuching, Sarawak last week. The meeting brought experts on hydropower around the world to discuss sustainable development of hydropower.
At the meeting, high level panels agreed that sustainable hydropower projects can contribute significantly to economic and social development, especially in the world's poorest countries.
Vice Chairman of the Board of PowerChina Mr Yan Zhiyong, said China was relying on hydropower development to aid rural development.
Three areas of special importance are: ecological and environmental impacts, resettlement of population in a “people-centered” manner and project safety in events like earth quakes and floods,” he said.
“The ecological and environmental impact of hydropower development shall be incorporated into the comprehensive analysis for economy, society and environment, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank Group, chief technical specialist for Hydropower Jean-Michel Devern ay said the Bank had recently reversed its policy, to favour support for major sustainable hydropower projects in developing countries.
Energy poverty where communities lack a reliable supply of power is an obstacle to development, whereas large-scale hydropower development can provide power, eradicate poverty and foster economic growth, he said.
The World Bank hydropower specialist said the Nam Theun 2 project in Laos “remains a striking example” of projects that can alleviate poverty and create economic opportunity in developing countries.
Mr Devernay underscored the need for countries to strengthen integrated planning and focus more attention on long-term sustainability.
The World Bank Group's ambition, he said, was to “help clients do the right projects, and do the projects right.”
More than 500 representatives from more than 60 countries and 100 organisations including corporations, banks, academic institutes and environmental organisations participated in the IHA conference from May 21 - 24.
The IHA has formally adopted a Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol that outlines and grades activities for planning, implementing and operating hydropower plants around the globe.
Sarawak State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Abdul Ghani told delegates that hydropower projects were a primary strategy for growth in Sarawak.
Despite controversy surrounding specific developments, he said “The State has both the right and the duty to develop resources.”
Sarawak's renewable energy programme was attracting investments and creating skilled and semi-skilled jobs, he said. Sustainable hydropower projects have to ensure community engagement and create employment for people directly affected, he said.
Many professionals in the hydropower sector like Torstein Sjøtveit, CEO of Sarawak Energy Berhad, held that energy development has obvious benefits for the people.
“Energy is the path to growth and prosperity,” he said. “Failure to develop is not sustainable.”
vientiane times
