Laos Bullish on Dams Despite Fatal Catastrophe
(WorldNews Asia)

Renewable energy proponents have seized on the fatal collapse of a dam in Laos in their push to steer the country away from its hydropower `binge.` Laos is planning to build about 140 hydropower dams in its quest to become `the battery of Southeast Asia` according to the policy think tank the Stimson Center. The plan has drawn heavy criticism from conservationists and rights groups who argue the country´s ruling class are enriching themselves from projects that severely impact the rural poor. Two dams fail Twice in the past year one of these facilities has collapsed, more recently at the end of last month when scores were killed and thousands left homeless after an auxiliary dam at the Xe...