Living Rivers & Renewable Power
Lessons from the Mekong
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Beschreibung
This open access book addresses how hydropower development in river basins can take place without impairing their biodiversity and environment as is commonly happening. The authors describe lessons learned from an assessment of sustainable power alternatives for the Mekong River Basin where the challenge was to find a course of development that would meet the aspirations of the riparian nations while maintaining the river’s exceptional biological productivity and the sediment outflow needed to sustain the Mekong Delta in the face of rising sea levels. Based on a 10-year project, involving an international and interdisciplinary team of experts, the findings had a major impact on the decisions taken by the governments of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, including cancellation of what would have been one of the largest and most impactful hydropower dams in the world. It also provides a convincing demonstration of the benefits of solar retrofit of existing hydropower reservoirs where feasible.
The book covers the engineering, hydrologic, morphologic, biophysical, economic, and legal issues regarding hydropower development and the impacts such dams have on water flows, sediment, nutrient transport, and the fish that the people living in the region depend upon. The book draws on experiences from the Mekong basin for the specific purpose of informing the course of development of the other major rivers and deltas in the world facing intensive power development pressures.
This open access book addresses how hydropower development in river basins can take place without impairing their biodiversity and environment as is commonly happening. The authors describe lessons learned from an assessment of sustainable power alternatives for the Mekong River Basin where the challenge was to find a course of development that would meet the aspirations of the riparian nations while maintaining the river’s exceptional biological productivity and the sediment outflow needed to sustain the Mekong Delta in the face of rising sea levels. Based on a 10-year project, involving an international and interdisciplinary team of experts, the findings had a major impact on the decisions taken by the governments of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, including cancellation of what would have been one of the largest and most impactful hydropower dams in the world. It also provides a convincing demonstration of the benefits of solar retrofit of existing hydropower reservoirs where feasible.
The book covers the engineering, hydrologic, morphologic, biophysical, economic, and legal issues regarding hydropower development and the impacts such dams have on water flows, sediment, nutrient transport, and the fish that the people living in the region depend upon. The book draws on experiences from the Mekong basin for the specific purpose of informing the course of development of the other major rivers and deltas in the world facing intensive power development pressures.
This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access Explains how to site, design and operate hydro and solar power to meet energy demands without degrading the river Identifies a master planning approach that can aid in the development of sustainable hydropower in rivers Elucidates the water, sediment, fish, and information flows needed to preserve existing social and ecological systems
Autor*in
Gregory A. Thomas
Themen in »Living Rivers & Renewable Power«
Open Access Hydropower development Mekong hydrology Water flow regimes Sediment flows Nutrient replenishment Tonle Sap Food production, Fish production Energy-ecosystem nexus Mekong Fishery, Fish Survival Combined hydro-solar power production Dam siting Dam design Turbine design Sediment transport
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“Major rivers like the Mekong both define and defy national boundaries. Effects of development choices are felt both downstream and upstream of those borders. Sustainable management and development of this important river require commitment, continued efforts, dialogue, and cooperation amongst riparian countries and beyond. The book is useful for experts, researchers, government and academia, and relevant organizations and institutions including the MRC Secretariat, as well as those who seek to understand the complexities and challenges faced in the Mekong River Basin. This book harvests lessons learnt from the Mekong that can be shared with other regions of the world for sustainable decisions.” (H.E. Busadee Santipitaks, CEO, Mekong River Commission)
“This book reflects the invaluable experience, knowledge, and scientific integrity of its authors, all highly respected scientists in the field of water management. Considering climate change, and the growing demands for food, water and energy, dams are still considered to be necessary, even though they are often associated with sediment starvation, disruption of fish migration, and displacement of the livelihoods of indigenous communities, all of which create tension in transboundary river systems. This book derives lessons from experiences in the Mekong River Basin, an exceptionally rich case study due to its sheer size, biophysical complexity, rich natural resources, and transboundary nature. These lessons are of value for everyone interested in the management of such complex river infrastructure and ecosystems.” (Annemieke Nijhof. Managing Director, Deltares, Delft, NL)
“The International Hydropower Association (IHA) recognises this book as an important contribution to the global pursuit of responsible hydropower in a net zero future, drawing on the Mekong as an instructive learning laboratory. Alongside tools such as the Hydropower Sustainability Standard - this work stands as a practical blueprint for governments, developers, and financiers seeking to expand renewable energy while safeguarding the ecosystems and communities that depend on healthy rivers.” (Eddie Rich. CEO, International Hydropower Association)
“Much of the research reflected in this book was conducted with technical assistance from the Ministry I headed in Laos, the country with the most experience in hydropower development in the Mekong region. The lessons distilled in the book are essential reading for other nations that foresee renewables playing a key role in their quest for a carbon neutral future.” (H.E. Viraphonh Viravong. Vice Minister of Energy and Mines, Lao PDR, 2011-2016)
“This book powerfully demonstrates that nations can expand renewable energy without sacrificing the ecological and social benefits of free-flowing rivers. Drawing on deep technical analysis of real-world case studies and connecting the dots between ecology, energy and society, it offers a must-read roadmap for governments, practitioners and scholars committed to truly sustainable hydropower in an era of climate and biodiversity crisis.” (Günter Blöschl. Head, Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Centre for Water Resource Systems, TU Wien, Austria)
“The Mekong River is one of the most remarkable rivers in the world, vital for the millions of people living in the basin and for its rich biodiversity. Too little work has been done on developing sustainable alternatives to the old vision of massive dams for energy and water management. This book fills that gap, offering invaluable insights and new approaches to protect the Mekong's unique and irreplaceable natural resources.” (Peter Gleick. Senior Fellow and President Emeritus, Pacific Institute, California, USA)
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