Reuters
August 4, 2006

‘Asian plans for a multitude of hydroelectric projects will lead some nations to a greater reliance on dams to meet power demand, potentially triggering costly bouts of extra oil imports in times of drought.’

Analysis Vientiane: Asian plans for a multitude of hydroelectric projects will lead some nations to a greater reliance on dams to meet power demand, potentially triggering costly bouts of extra oil imports in times of drought. While coal, gas and nuclear power stations will make up the bulk of new regional generation, hydro will take up a growing share in countries such as China and Vietnam as record-high oil costs spur domestic energy production. Planned hydropower projects across Asia aim to add at least 40,000 megawatts of generating capacity, mostly by 2012, with more projects proposed, a Reuters survey of the region found. “Fluctuations in hydro supply mean the back up capacity must be provided. Where gas and coal are not available this will be oil,” Singapore-based consultants Tri-Zen said.