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Solar energy and regional coordination as a feasible alternative to large hydropower in Southeast Asia

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  • Kais Siala

    (TUMCREATE Ltd.)

  • Afm Kamal Chowdhury

    (University of California Santa Barbara
    Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Thanh Duc Dang

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Stefano Galelli

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

Abstract

Strategic dam planning and the deployment of decentralized renewable technologies are two elements of the same problem, yet normally addressed in isolation. Here, we show that an integrated view of the power system capacity expansion problem could have transformative effects for Southeast Asia’s hydropower plans. We demonstrate that Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia have tangible opportunities for meeting projected electricity demand and CO2 emission targets with less hydropower than currently planned—options range from halting the construction of all dams in the Lower Mekong to building 82% of the planned ones. The key enabling strategies for these options to succeed are solar PV and regional coordination, expressed in the form of centralized planning and cross-border power trading. The alternative expansion plans would slightly increase the cumulative costs (up to 2.4%), but substantially limit the fragmentation of additional river reaches, thereby offering more sustainable pathways for the Mekong’s ecosystems and riparian people.

Suggested Citation

  • Kais Siala & Afm Kamal Chowdhury & Thanh Duc Dang & Stefano Galelli, 2021. "Solar energy and regional coordination as a feasible alternative to large hydropower in Southeast Asia," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24437-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24437-6
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    Cited by:

    1. Koh, Rachel & Kern, Jordan & Galelli, Stefano, 2022. "Hard-coupling water and power system models increases the complementarity of renewable energy sources," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).
    2. Gulam Smdani & Muhammad Remanul Islam & Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya & Sairul Izwan Bin Safie, 2023. "Performance Evaluation Of Advanced Energy Storage Systems: A Review," Energy & Environment, , vol. 34(4), pages 1094-1141, June.
    3. William Philip Wall & Bilal Khalid & Mariusz Urbański & Michal Kot, 2021. "Factors Influencing Consumer’s Adoption of Renewable Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-19, August.
    4. Ian M. Trotter & Torjus F. Bolkesj{o} & Eirik O. J{aa}stad & Jon Gustav Kirkerud, 2021. "Increased Electrification of Heating and Weather Risk in the Nordic Power System," Papers 2112.02893, arXiv.org.
    5. Jose M. Gonzalez & James E. Tomlinson & Eduardo A. Martínez Ceseña & Mohammed Basheer & Emmanuel Obuobie & Philip T. Padi & Salifu Addo & Rasheed Baisie & Mikiyas Etichia & Anthony Hurford & Andrea Bo, 2023. "Designing diversified renewable energy systems to balance multisector performance," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(4), pages 415-427, April.
    6. Grace C. Wu & Ranjit Deshmukh & Anne Trainor & Anagha Uppal & A. F. M. Kamal Chowdhury & Carlos Baez & Erik Martin & Jonathan Higgins & Ana Mileva & Kudakwashe Ndhlukula, 2024. "Avoiding ecosystem and social impacts of hydropower, wind, and solar in Southern Africa’s low-carbon electricity system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    7. Gawlick, Julia & Hamacher, Thomas, 2023. "Impact of coupling the electricity and hydrogen sector in a zero-emission European energy system in 2050," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    8. Richard Grünwald & Wenling Wang & Yan Feng, 2022. "Politicization of the Hydropower Dams in the Lancang-Mekong Basin: A Review of Contemporary Environmental Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-23, February.
    9. Jin, Xiaoyu & Liu, Benxi & Liao, Shengli & Cheng, Chuntian & Jurasz, Jakub & Zhang, Yi & Lu, Jia, 2023. "Exploring the transition role of cascade hydropower in 100% decarbonized energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    10. Chien, FengSheng & Vu, Trong Lam & Hien Phan, Thi Thu & Van Nguyen, Sang & Viet Anh, Nguyen Ho & Ngo, Thanh Quang, 2023. "Zero-carbon energy transition in ASEAN countries: The role of carbon finance, carbon taxes, and sustainable energy technologies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 561-569.

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