Life Beyond the Dam
Articles
Though a hydropower project relocated villagers, it also brought electricity, roads, and schools to a remote valley.
Energy
New energy solutions are crucial to developing the Greater Mekong Subregion, where power demand is surging. These include improving energy efficiency and cross-border power trading. The Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) manages regional power trade in the subregion.
Greater Mekong Subregion countries are in varying stages of economic development, but they share common goals concerning energy security and environmental protection. Some have made significant progress in promoting renewable energy, clean fuels, and energy efficiency.
New energy solutions are crucial to the subregion’s advancement. Demand for energy is surging, and by some estimates demand for energy in the lower Mekong countries – Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam – is expected to nearly triple from 317 terawatt-hours in 2012 to 815 terawatt-hours in 2025.
Their rapidly improving economies have allowed GMS countries to respond to this demand with extensive power generation projects. Gas-fired plants are expected to nearly double to about 54 plants with 24,000 megawatts during the same period. Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass are not yet prevalent in the subregion, but the number of projects is increasing rapidly.
GMS countries are addressing the complexities of meeting this surging energy demand by taking a regional approach that allows for the most cost-efficient projects using a diverse range of energy sources. They are also sharing experiences and lessons learned.
Countries are enhancing the regional coordination of power trading, including the exchange of information on energy sector plans and projects. The ultimate goal is to provide an adequate supply of energy throughout the subregion at an affordable price, and to bring the economic benefits of a reliable energy supply to people in rural areas, while at the same time encouraging investment.
The GMS Road Map for Expanded Cooperation in the Energy Sector is helping to guide efforts in planning and implementing projects for power generation, cross-border interconnections, and for improving country transmission systems. National projects are being developed with an eye toward the development of regional power trade arrangements that will increase efficiency and lower energy costs for consumers.
Related
• GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation
• Update of the GMS Regional Master Plan
• Study: Building a Sustainable Energy Future - The Greater Mekong Subregion
Focal Persons at the Asian Development Bank
- Duy-Thanh Bui
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Teruhisa Oi
Sustainable Infrastructure Division,
East Asia Department
Other Concerned Staff & Consultants
- Aruna Wanniachchi
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Hyunjung Lee
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Minnie Zarah Ramas
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Pinsuda Alexander
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Rafaelita Jamon
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department/GMS Secretariat
Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat.
ADB to Invest in Greater Mekong Subregion, Clean Energy Fund
News Releases
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (9 July 2010) - The Asian Development Bank will invest $15 million to support clean energy projects in the Greater Mekong Subregion and South Asia through the Mekong Brahmaputra Clean Development Fund.
Viet Nam: Status and Potential for the Development of Biofuels and Rural Renewable Energy
This study aims to provide a preliminary assessment of the long-term commercial viability of a biofuel program in Viet Nam.
Global and Regional Development and Impact of Biofuels: A Focus on the Greater Mekong Subregion
This study is one of the first steps to improve understanding of the impacts of biofuel development on agriculture and economy, with specific focus on the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
Seventh Meeting of the Planning Working Group (PWG-7), 8th Meeting of the Focal Group (FG-8), and 8th Meeting of the RPTCC (RPTCC-8)
This is the summary of discussions at the 7th Meeting of the Planning Working Group (PWG-7), 8th Meeting of the Focal Group (FG-8), and 8th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-8) in Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic on 25 to 27 November 2009.
GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation
This road map for expanded cooperation in the energy sector in the Greater Mekong Subregion takes into account GMS Strategic Framework 2002-2012 and the need for improved energy security, better utilization of energy resources, and mutually beneficial energy trade, to meet national and regional energy needs in a sustainable manner.
Building a Sustainable Energy Future: The Greater Mekong Subregion
Developing the energy sector will help realize an integrated and prosperous Mekong subregion.
Third Meeting of the GMS Subregional Energy Sector Forum (SEF-3): Summary of Discussions
The SEF-3 meeting was held primarily to jumpstart the implementation of the GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation, which was endorsed at the 15th GMS Ministerial Meeting held in Thailand in June 2009.
Special Meeting of the GMS Subregional Energy Sector Forum (Special SEF): Summary of Discussions
The Special SEF meeting was held to refine and finalize the GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation, for endorsing it to the 15th GMS Ministerial Meeting to be held in Thailand in June 2009. Formulated in line with the recommendations of the recently completed GMS Energy Strategy Study, the Road Map was earlier presented at the SEF meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam and at the GMS Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) in Bangkok, Thailand, both held in November 2008. These meetings agreed to further review and hold internal consultations on the Road Map.