Asian Nations Weigh Rapid Expansion of Hydropower Against Environmental Costs

摘要

Massive expansion of hydropower could let Asian countries harness nearly twice as much energy from the continent's rivers by midcentury as they do today, but nations must better balance development with environmental and social costs, said speakers at the recent World Hydropower Congress in Beijing. The installed capacity of hydropower resources in Asia is expected to increase from 543 gigawatts in 2013 to 997 gigawatts by 2050, according to data from the International Hydropower Association. China, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam are set to lead the drive.