The Climate Question Are dams still worth it?
Apr 28, 2025
Hydroelectricity holds the title of the largest source of renewable energy, but its benefits come with serious trade-offs. In Thailand, local voices reveal the dual impact of dam projects: economic growth versus community displacement. The Pumipon Dam is a case study in powerful energy generation, yet its social and environmental costs raise questions. Indigenous communities fight for water access while grappling with climate change’s impact on agriculture. The push for solar power further complicates Thailand's energy future amid ongoing debates about development and tradition.
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Mainoud Community Displacement
- The Mainoud community had to move up the hill due to flooding from the Pumipon Dam reservoir.
- Their original village is underwater, and the valuable rice farms are lost under sand deposits from floods.
Hydropower's Clean Energy Impact
- Pumipon Dam produces 779.2 megawatts of clean electricity by using flowing water with no emissions.
- It avoids about 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, replacing fossil fuels.
Hydropower’s Hidden Local Costs
- Pai Ditez from International Rivers points out hydropower's hidden costs including forced relocations and lost ecosystem services.
- Many affected communities still lack electricity or irrigation despite dam benefits.