Myanmar and Laos plan downstream Mekong’s biggest dam yet

AI Summary

Myanmar and Laos plan to construct the largest hydropower dam on the mainstream of the Mekong River outside China, a 2,790-megawatt project following a joint feasibility study agreement during Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s state visit to Vientiane.

At the remote, mountainous frontier where the mighty Mekong carves the border between Myanmar and Laos, planners have sketched the outline of a mega dam. It would be the largest hydropower project ever built on the river’s mainstream outside China, but analysts suspect the study into it may matter more than the dam itself. A 34-month joint feasibility study for the 2,790-megawatt project was agreed on July 4 during Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s state visit to Vientiane. Officials from both...