Mini- and micro-hydropower equipment manufacture in Vietnam, Thailand and the Lao P.D.R

• Main Author: Green, John Peter
• Published: University of Edinburgh 1994
• Subjects: 333
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.651781

The three Mekong Basin riparian countries of Thailand, Vietnam and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), situated in South-East Asia, are experiencing many economic and political changes which are creating new opportunities for cooperation and development. This thesis argues that there is a large market for mini-hydropower equipment within Vietnam, and a large market for micro-hydropower plant in Thailand, Vietnam and the Lao PDR. It also contests that future developments will best be served by manufacturing much of the powerhouse equipment within the countries concerned, both in terms of the reduced cost of locally made equipment over foreign imports, and in the support which the local manufacturing base will provide in the form of in-country repair and maintenance facilities. The thesis describes the history and present day situation concerning small-scale hydro development in the three countries, taking into consideration the social, political and economic settings, as well as technological aspects. An assessment is made of the use of mini-hydropower and micro-hydropower equipment in the development of rural electrification, and the prospects for their future use are described in the context of each country's overall rural energy situation. The study assesses the skills and resources available for the manufacture of mini- and micro-hydropower equipment within the three countries with particular focus upon turbines and governors, though including a review of other electrical and mechanical equipment. Trends in the manufacture of hydropower equipment are highlighted and conclusions are drawn from the research with respect to the suitability of different types of hydropower equipment for manufacture in the region. Recommendations are made concerning future manufacture within each country, and ways in which to promote the local manufacture of equipment.