Hydropower cannot be developed at all costs

The Vietnam River Network (VRN) has just issued a recommendation, it is impossible to consider hydropower as a clean and cheap energy source for development because hydropower works have a negative impact on the environment.

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VRN scientists do not deny the positive role of hydropower in economic and social development, but the massive hydroelectric developments in all river basins have negatively impacted the environment. , ecology, people's livelihoods, community safety, water security and food security.

"Development of hydropower, although allowed to add" sustainable "is also a trade-off between economic development and the environment - society. It is impossible to see hydropower as a clean and cheap energy source for development with any at any cost - anywhere " , VRN notice clearly.

Song Tranh 2 hydropower plant - where water leakage incidents occur cause confusion and anxiety
settled for Quang Nam authorities over the past few months. (Photo: Tri Tin)

According to VRN, the community and the people who have to relocate due to hydropower construction are the most disadvantaged, sacrificing the most in terms of material, spiritual and indigenous culture for the benefit of the common and the home. invest.

VRN experts recommend that the hydropower development plan should be carefully reviewed by all levels, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and culture of riparian communities and livelihoods. people. Accordingly, when the hydropower plant is built, it is necessary to have a scenario related to dam incidents and plans to prevent and mitigate damages to related communities within the impact of the dam.

Dr. Dao Trong Hung, of VRN said that many small and medium hydropower projects but forest encroachment are very large. Mr. Hung worried that the construction of the rampant hydropower project has caused a series of "dead rivers" and serious water pollution.

"Hydropower can cause consequences such as deforestation, impact on biodiversity conservation areas, loss of productive land due to erosion, sedimentation of lakes, changes in hydrology, dehydration in downstream areas, geomorphology. earthquake, water pollution , " Hung said.

Vietnam currently has 2,360 rivers with a length of more than 10km. According to the planning scheme, if in 2009 the total hydropower capacity in the country is 9,200MW, by 2020 it will increase to 17,400MW, accounting for more than 23% of the national electricity resources. Research results of the Human and Nature Organization show that: On average, 1 MW of hydroelectricity projects lose up to 16 ha of forest.