Studies on Environmental and Social Impact of Importing Renewable Energy under Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the environmental and social impact studies for importing renewable energy under the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project. MP Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the results of these assessments and requested the publication of environmental and social impact reports. Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng replied that the electricity is from existing plants that underwent official assessments and regular monitoring in Lao PDR. He noted that a study by Chulalongkorn University and ERM Siam confirmed sufficient mitigation measures were in place to address environmental and social concerns. Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng added that he would consult his team regarding the potential sensitivities of publishing these reports.
Transcript
18 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what studies have been undertaken on the environmental and social impact of importing renewable energy from hydropower plants under the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project; (b) what are the findings from these studies; (c) what measures have been taken to mitigate any negative environmental and social impact; and (d) if studies have not been undertaken, whether the Ministry will conduct these studies and, if not, why not.
The Second Minister for Trade and Industry (Dr Tan See Leng): Mr Speaker, the electricity imported from Lao PDR under the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP) is generated by existing hydropower plants, which have undergone environment impact assessments (EIA) in accordance with Lao PDR’s prevailing policies and laws. Results from these assessments had been reviewed by the Lao PDR government before the projects were allowed to proceed. Government agencies in the Lao PDR also undertake regular monitoring to ensure compliance with the safeguards and the mitigation measures put in place.
Mr Speaker: Mr Louis Ng.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Thank you, Sir. I thank the Second Minister for the reply. Could I just ask whether the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) can publish this environment impact report and also the social impact report; so, not just environment, to ensure that it does not impact the communities and the environment in Lao PDR?
Dr Tan See Leng: There was an EIA which was prepared by the Chulalongkorn University's Environmental Research Institute and ERM Siam Company Limited. The Lao PDR authorities shared the EIA report with the Energy Market Authority (EMA). This report states that sufficient mitigation measures have been put in place to address the environmental and the social impact of the hydropower project.
Based on the Member's suggestion, I certainly will discuss it with my team to see whether there are any sensitivities in publishing it.
12.59 pm
Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. Introduction of Government Bills. Mr Alvin Tan.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix, unless Members had asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn.]