EMergy analysis perspectives of Thailand and Mekong River dam proposals

摘要: Methods of EMergy analysis (a scientifically based measure wealth with units solar emjoules [sej]) are explained and illustrated, using the economy Thailand two proposed dams on Mekong River. Thailand's EMergy/$ ratio is near world average (3.46 · 1012 sej/$), its per capita (2.98 1015 sej/capita) low compared to developed economies (that United States 29.3 sej/capita), balance payments negative (the in exports almost twice imports). The calculated net yield ratios were sensitive treatment sediments. yielded high (12.3/1 20.3/1) if sediments not included, but only 1.4/1 1.3/1 included. If constructed as a cascade, combined was 2.5/1 (sediments included). conventional fossil fuels primary source energy economy, electricity generated from two-dam cascade expressed 7.4/1.