Integrative Strategy and Policies for Promoting Appropriate Renewable Energy Technologies in Lower Mekong Basin Region: With Special Focus on Viet Nam

Abstract

Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, which are located in the Lower Mekong Basin Region (LMBR) with great potential and opportunity for co-operation, have achieved remarkable achievements in economic development in recent years. With their rapid economic growth and having implemented the rural electrification programme, their electricity demand also rapidly increased. Exploitation of renewable energy (RE) sources is seen as one of the best ways to facilitate economic growth in a less carbon-intensive way, ensure energy security with focus on indigenous resources and benefits to public health, and improve the economy of rural areas through electrification. Hence, the Energy Research Institute Network (ERIN) Research Project on ‘Integrative Strategy and Policies for the Promotion of Appropriate Renewable Energy Technologies in Lower Mekong Basin Region’ was implemented by a Working Group of the five represented countries in the region, with expertise and financial assistance from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). This study aims to (i) set up the strategy and policies for the RE development of LMBR countries; (ii) assess and select the prioritised RE technologies; and (iii) identify the social, economic, and environmental benefits derived from RE development.