Doomed to be Dammed? Analyzing the Different Outcomes of Three South American Megadams

Abstract

AbstractHydroelectric dams are one of the cleanest, cheapest, and most efficient sources of energy in the world. However, megadams (those greater than 2,000 megawatts in production capacity) can incite substantial sociopolitical and environmental opposition because they displace people, animals, trees, and sediments. Despite heated disagreements surrounding all megadam construction, what factors increase the likelihood for some to be constructed while others are canceled? The purpose of this analysis is to illuminate those factors that shape these different outcomes using a most‐similar case design. It compares three megadams in South America: the Madeira project in Brazil, which was built; and the Inambari project in Peru and the HydroAysén project in Chile, both of which were canceled. The study finds that the diversity of protesters, unification of the social movement, domestic media coverage, and the sitting president’s popularity are all important factors that affect whether a megadam project is constructed. The findings from this article offer insights that both proponents and opponents of megadams need to closely consider.Related ArticlesRyan, Susannah. 2015. “White Gold and Troubled Waters in Southern Africa: Hydropolitical Policy’s Effect on Peace in Lesotho and South Africa.” Politics & Policy 43 (2): 239‐255. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12114Delshad, Ashlie B. 2013. “Telling Stories: Exogenous Influences on Media Presidential and Congressional Framing of Biofuels.” Politics & Policy 41 (2): 213‐240. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12009Khodr, Hiba, and Isabella Ruble. 2013. “Energy Policies and Domestic Politics in the MENA Region in the Aftermath of the Arab Upheavals: The Cases of Lebanon Libya and KSA.” Politics & Policy 41 (5): 656‐689. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12033Related MediaMurphy, Annie. 2011. “Chile Dam Project Sparks Protests.” BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-13445300CentralInambari. 2011. “Proyecto Inambari: Plan De Reasentamiento Poblacional Concertado.” [Inambari Project: Agreed Population Resettlement Plan]. Video. https://youtu.be/5LjEXTnArWIPaz y Miño, Paul. 2007. “Environmentalists Go to Court to Suspend the Auction of Rio Madeira Dam Project.” Amazon Watch. https://amazonwatch.org/news/2007/1206-environmentalists-go-to-court-to-suspend-the-auction-of-rio-madeira-dam-project