Power Surge: The Impacts of Rapid Dam Development in Laos - An International Rivers Report

This report presents the challenges that hydropower development poses to rural livelihoods and fragile ecosystems, and details the specific impacts caused by Lao dam projects. It also suggests alternatives and provides recommendations for minimizing the costs of hydropower development while sharing the benefits. The report focuses on 11 case studies of large hydropower projects which produce or will produce electricity primarily for export. These case studies were chosen to provide an overview of projects at various stages of development, including dams that are in operation, under construction and proposed, projects of different sizes, and dams in locations throughout Laos (organized geographically from north to south). The case studies were primarily based on first-hand research supplemented by a review of available project information, news reports, and related studies by NGOs and academics.