Integrating Strategic Environmental Assessment into Power Planning

Abstract

This book is the first in a three-volume series of studies arising from the project Ensuring Sustainability of the Greater Mekong Subregion Regional Power Development. The study aimed to assess the impacts of alternative directions for development of the power sector in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) through a strategic environmental assessment (SEA); develop recommendations on how to minimize and mitigate harmful impacts in the power sector; and provide capacity building for GMS member institutions in the conduct of SEAs, and support their integration into the power planning process. This volume highlights the role of SEA in assessing the sustainability of polices and plans at a regional or national level, emphasizing how SEA can contribute toward better policy making in the power sector, create greater stakeholder involvement in consultation processes, and develop capacity in countries of the GMS to undertake SEA of their power development plans.