Norway’s Multiconsult together with Deltares and Lao Consulting group are working with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) to lead an assessment on Lao PDR’s southern Sekong River Basin that will help decision makers and the private sector better understand the cumulative impacts of hydropower and other renewable energy project development in areas where multiple projects are planned.
“Sekong is one of the most important tributaries to the Mekong, forming together with the Sesan and Srepok, commonly known as the 3S system in the Lower Mekong,” explained Team Lead Leif Lillehammer, Multiconsult. “Our work will pioneer cumulative impact assessments in Lao PDR; Multiconsult is looking forward to presenting a study that achieves a balance between development and environmental sustainability.”
The partners will examine various hydropower and renewable energy scenarios for the Sekong basin and assess its overall cumulative impacts on the environment, livelihoods and economy. The study will also provide recommendations for future sustainable hydropower and renewable energy development on the Sekong, including plans and measures to avoid-minimize-compensate the cumulative impacts.
“IFC is rolling out cumulative impact assessments across the Asia region and in Lao PDR, we have a unique opportunity to build greater understanding of CIA concepts and help improve planning in the Sekong River Basin,” added Kate Lazarus, IFC Environmental and Social Hydropower Advisory Team Lead. “The Sekong is home to important aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity that will be affected by development. Once completed, the CIA will present power scenarios that will help lower environmental and social risks associated with planned development.”
The assessment is planned over the next ten months and will provide on-the-ground input for improving the Lao PDR draft Cumulative Impact Assessment Guidelines, another initiative led by IFC. Since 2013 IFC has been working with the Government of Lao PDR and the private sector to help advance environmental and social sustainability. With support from the Australian Government, IFC has led the development of several guidelines and policies for the hydropower sector. However, the CIA in the Sekong will include other renewable energies, such as wind and solar, as this basin has the potential to develop clean and sustainable resources.
