Muskrat Falls hydroelectric generating project: develop an integrated approach to assess sustainability

摘要

Hydroelectric energy is the most abundant source of energy for Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the production of this energy has some uncertain and contestable socio-economic and environmental impacts. This research project proposes a new methodology for assessing the sustainability of a hydroelectric project and develops a sustainability index (SIHEP) which can assist policy makers when planning for sustainable development of hydroelectric energy sources. A four pillars concept of sustainability (i.e. social, economic, environmental and governance) is used to construct this SIHEP. The proposed methodology uses the PESTLE framework to identify the relevant parameters. The SIHEP is applied to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in Newfoundland and Labrador. The results show that the project is moderately sustainable, as there are some weak governance issues identified. The research project makes some policy recommendations for the sustainable development of the ongoing Muskrat Falls project which can also be used in other forthcoming hydroelectric energy projects.