2005 Progress Report

Hydropower Programme

The new Hydropower Programme marks the evolution of the former Water Resources Management Programme (WRMP) into MRC's strategy relating to hydropower development in the Lower Mekong Basin. The water resources and hydrology components of the former WRMP are now part of the Information and Knowledge Management Programme.

The Hydropower Programme's aim is to strengthen member countries' capacity for hydropower planning and sustainable development by identifying the best options for the Lower Mekong Basin and creating recommendation criteria for prioritisation. There is a large hydropower potential in the Mekong region and hydropower options are included in the power development strategies of all Mekong countries.

Since 2003, hydropower experts together with the BDP Team have carried out surveys on the hydropower sector in the Lower Mekong Basin. In 2005 a task force was established at the MRC Secretariat for the development of the programme. A regional consultant was hired for the preparation of a concept paper for the programme's first phase. A round of national consultations was also held in each of the four member countries as part of the drafting procedure for the concept paper. The paper was presented to the 22nd Joint Committee meeting in August 2005.

The year 2006 will see development of the new Hydropower Programme, subject to the availability of funding. A programme document will be produced and provide full information on the expected outputs of the programme.

Activities under the MRC Hydropower Strategy and cooperation with the BDP will continue. Cooperation structures with hydropower segments in the riparian countries will be established and advice on the planning, development and operation of hydropower plants in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) will be provided in close consultation with the riparian governments and the BDP. Hydropower projects in the LMB will be identified for the BDP planning process, and good progress has been made on the hydropower database which will now be developed further.

Costs and benefits of existing hydropower plants and dams will be analysed to support identification of options for best hydropower development in LMB. Studies will be carried out on the potential for improved efficiency, reduced power demand and savings in investments in the power sector in the riparian countries.

At the basin-wide level MRC will support proper planning and development of hydropower as well as monitoring of impacts and mitigation measures. Information on water resources will also support the Water Utilisation Programme and the Flood Management and Mitigation Programmes.

Participation of stakeholders and coordination with national authorities and international organisations in the formulation of development initiatives will be ensured.