Part 11/15:
While hydropower is a cornerstone of Laos' renewable energy strategy, its reliance on large dams introduces vulnerabilities. The water supply is seasonal and influenced by climate variability, making energy supply unstable. During dry seasons, hydroelectric output declines, prompting Laos to turn to coal—a fossil fuel with high greenhouse gas emissions—to stabilize supply.
Since 2015, coal power plants like the Hongsa Power Plant have become part of the mix, providing about 75% of Laos' energy capacity, despite the country’s previous commitment to coal-free development. This reliance on coal, which emits 35 times more greenhouse gases than hydropower, contradicts the climate benefits claimed by hydropower development.