Chinese financing options for Southeast Asian hydropower projects

There is still vast untapped potential for the development of both large and small hydropower projects in southeast Asia. However, financing of such projects remains a challenge. To date, Laos has seen the most activity in the regional hydropower sector, with a number of projects already successfully financed. Chinese source financing is increasing in importance for the industry. The trends in Lao PDR outlined in this paper are particularly relevant to the financing of hydropower projects throughout Southeast Asia.