A large, complex development project requires a commensurate and substantive long-term commitment. The exceptionally long preparation and implementation periods (2003–2019) were essential to provide sufficient time for analysis, appraisal, and supervision of a complex project and ensure an eventually successful outcome in a high-risk context. This extended period enabled oversight and validation of the power plant’s operation and export potential several years past commissioning and provided adequate oversight during implementation of the environmental and social programs, which required several adjustments to deliver the final outcomes. While the resulting benefits appear to be commensurate with the attendant costs, the NT2 HP experience is indicative of the firmness and longevity of institutional and resource commitments that may be required to successfully undertake similar projects in the future.
Greater Mekong Subregion - Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project