Exploring the risk factors on investment cost of medium-small hydropower projects in Vietnam and recommendations of mitigation solutions

Abstract

Risks are very common in the construction of hydropower projects in general and small and medium
hydropower projects in particular because most projects are built in high mountainous areas with the
complex conditions of topography, geology, hydrology as well as the relatively long construction time.
Moreover, small and medium hydropower projects are also vulnerable to risk factors such as policies,
natural conditions, social, economic, financial, and capacity of stakeholders in project and risks during
the project implementation. This paper focuses on the identification, evaluation and classification of
risks to understand the frequency and the level of risk influences so that involving partners can respond
timely and actively to reduce the costs and threats.
Keywords: Small and medium sized hydropower, risks of small and medium hydropower, risk
level segment