The proposal has been discussed twice in Cabinet meetings and the government is also looking into reducing electricity subsidies, though experts say this is something that will take 'more than just political will' to push through.
New research shows that these three Southeast Asian nations are among the top 20 countries in the world with unused profitable hydropower potential. Strict environmental rules are, however, vital to unlocking this potential.
As locals await relocation and environmentalists raise concerns over impacts on the Mekong’s ecology, the future of the planned Phou Ngoy dam looks uncertain.
In Asean, there is no general regional agreement securing environmental rights and obligations but the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution is an example of a sectoral achievement.
By
Linda Yanti Sulistiawati
The region has a specialty coffee industry that is booming. But profits from the highly-priced coffee drinks do not translate to increased incomes for growers. Government subsidies and better consumer awareness can help.
By
Prapimphan Chiengkul
China is crafting “wonderful stories” about its upstream dams in the Mekong. But the overall thrust of the narrative glosses over the more controversial aspects of dam building.
By
Hoang Thi Ha
Mounting marine pollution is choking the world’s oceans and rivers, especially in Southeast Asia — and it’ll only get worse unless something changes.
By
Danny Marks
Southeast Asian nations are racing to bring clean, affordable power to their people, but one country is outrunning them all. How can states make their renewable energy transition a success?
Laos has announced the construction of two new coal plants for this year, despite growing evidence that coal power comes with significant financial risk. What is holding back the country from tapping its rich clean energy resources instead?