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Essentiall“y, NT2 and other projects like this have an impact on ecology, and it destroys climate resilience. Beyond that, the reservoir produces methane gas. In fact, dams like this can produce more emissions per kilowatt-hour thancoal-fired”power plantsmodel for clean and sustainable energy, said Ms Lee. “Essentially, NT2 and other projects like this have an impact on ecology, and it destroys climate resilience. Beyond that, the reservoir produces methane gas. In fact, dams like this can produce more emissions per kilowatt-hour than coal-fired power plants.”In terms of economy, Mr Witoon said the project does not create energy security in the region. Some 90% of electricity produced by NT2 has been sold to Thailand under the agreement. But the income the Lao government gets from selling electricity to Thailand is not stable, as Thailand’s demand for electricity is lower than project predictions due to economic stagnation and lower demand.NT2 and other large hydropower dams being built in developing countries come out of altruistic goals of reducing poverty and creating cleanand sustainable energy. Problems arise, however, from the socio- political climates in countries where such projects are being developed, according to Mr Shoemaker. In Laos it is almost impossible for the public and media to voice disagreement or take part in consulta- tions. In 2012, Laos was listed as 160th out of 175 countries in the Transparency International corruption index.“The issues of consultation and participation are poorly thought out right from the start,” Mr Shoemaker said.Sustainability of such projects requires more than compensation at the end of the process but meaningful participation right from the start, said Ms Lee. In the current political atmosphere, “there is no way that prior consultation and informed consent can have a place and there isno way for people to use account- ability mechanisms”, she said.NT2 is seen as a lesson for the development of other large hydropower dams. Laos is a new destination for dam developers, and proponents say the next project will be better planned. Facing opposition in their own country, Thai energy investors have turned to Laos to contribute more to the regional power grid.Ms Lee asks for more respect to be given to rural Laotians, however.“Lao people are not disposable,” she said. “They are not people you can experiment on. They do not have the same access to speak up as people in Thailand or other countries do.”Elite+ 13