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The multi-dimensional impacts and trade-offs of hydropower development in the Mekong River Basin: a comprehensive literature review
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DOI：10.1186/s40645-026-00836-5.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Hydropower plays a critical role in mitigating climate change by providing a renewable energy source, yet it entails significant trade-offs that impact ecological, social, and economic systems. As hydropower development intensifies in the Mekong River Basin (MRB), where only 3% of hydropower potential is currently utilized, plans aim to double output. A comprehensive understanding of these trade-offs is essential. This study synthesizes data from 55 peer-reviewed articles using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework. Key thematic areas assessed include hydropower production, sediment retention, drought and flood control, alteration of natural flow regimes, seasonal flow changes, reduced flow velocity, and seasonal flood pulse deterioration. This paper reveals that 47.3% of reviewed studies focus solely on negative impacts, 41.8% examine both positive and negative impacts, and only 10.9% focus solely on positive outcomes. Sediment retention is the most frequently covered negative topic (47.3%), with its impacts including a 50–60% reduction in sediment supply to the Mekong Delta. Seasonal flow alterations have increased agricultural yields but reduced fish migration, critically threatening the fish species. Interestingly, an analysis of institutional contributions reveals thematic disparities: Institutions in China predominantly focus on hydropower production (45.5%) and seasonal flow changes (40%), while their Vietnamese colleagues emphasize the negative impacts, particularly reduced flow velocity (15%). Collaborative studies, which comprise 45.5% of the total, on the other hand, have sediment retention as their primary focus (33.3%). It is also visible that efforts, collaboration between Upper and Lower Mekong Basin institutions, remain limited. The study therefore underscores the need for cross-regional research to align thematic priorities and promote sustainable hydropower development that combines ecological preservation with socio-economic benefits.
Keywords:
Hydropower development
Mekong River Basin (MRB)
Trade-offs and impacts
Transboundary water governance
Sustainable development
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2.8
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802
Citations:
2.0K
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