Environmental Issues in the Global Hydroelectric Market

摘要

The international hydroelectric market offers tremendous potential to US power developers that are willing to expend the time, money, and energy to pursue it. Hydroelectric development can present significant engineering challenges, particularly on projects which are located in remote areas. Just as important are the environmental issues and governing regulations that must be addressed, which can differ from what the US developer may be accustomed. This paper discusses the environmental impacts to which developers should be particularly attuned when developing hydroelectric projects in foreign countries. The paper also presents a general approach to the international regulatory review process, and discusses the responsibility of the developer in addressing environmental concerns.