This study investigates the potential of integrating solar PV and regional coordination to reduce reliance on large hydropower projects in Southeast Asia, specifically focusing on Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The authors demonstrate that meeting projected electricity demand and CO2 emission targets is achievable with significantly less hydropower than currently planned, ranging from halting all Lower Mekong dams to constructing only 82% of those planned. Key strategies involve centralized planning and cross-border power trading. While slightly increasing cumulative costs (up to 2.4%), these alternatives significantly reduce river fragmentation, promoting ecosystem and riparian community sustainability.

Kais Siala, Afm Kamal Chowdhury, Thanh Duc Dang, Stefano Galelli