ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the governance of the Lancang commons in serving the common interest, together with the positive impact of hydropower on powering the economy and fulfilling national social responsibilities; and its negative environmental and social impacts and their corresponding mitigation. Hydropower as an 'electricity bridge' is able to facilitate economic growth by providing affordable, reliable, clean and renewable electricity. The power economy affects both the national and the local level. As a national energy strategy, Lancang hydropower has had a profound impact on energy, the economy and development. HydroLancang implements the national strategy and acts according to national developmental goals to serve the common interest. HydroLancang planned to develop 23 multi-cascade power plants along the Lancang River in an integrated, coordinated fashion, to generate 141.15 billion kilowatt hours per year with a total capacity of 31,499MW. Although the pay in HydroLancang is competitive, working at power plants in the mountains has intimidated many people.
