Summary of Independent Technical Reviews of Nam Theun 2 Environmental and Social Plans

Date: 
Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Because an independent review of the developers’ plans is not possible in Lao PDR, International Rivers Network and Environmental Defense invited several experts in Thailand and the United States to review the November 2004 drafts of the Nam Theun 2 Social Development Plan, Environmental Assessment and Management Plan, and Watershed Management Plan (SEMFOP-1).

The reviewers found serious flaws in the Company’s assessment of the Nam Theun 2 Project’s
environmental and social impacts. This not only casts doubt on the project’s technical and
economic viability, but also suggests that the risk of social and environmental failure is
unacceptably high.