Giant Hydropower Dams and Freshwater Biodiversity Protection on the Mekong River

Abstract

Globally hydroelectricity generation is being promoted as a low greenhouse gas emission and renewable energy source with the International Energy Agency projecting a doubling of global hydropower capacity by 2050. China alone plans to have 23 hydropower dams operating on the mainstream of the Lancang (upper Mekong) River by 2030: seven dams are approved, three dams have been temporarily cancelled but are likely to be reconsidered, four dams are under preparation, three dams are under construction, and six dams have been built and are operating. Show more