The material politics of damming water: An introduction

Abstract

First paragraph: Hydroelectric power is on the rise. Both developed and emerging economies establish hydroelectric dams in order to make use of natural water resources, contribute to electrification, and supply energy to national industries. For their advocates, dams are a silver bullet combining three pillars of sustainable development that are often perceived as being in mutual conflict, namely, economic growth, social welfare, and ecological sustainability. Dams are often in line with donors' funding priorities relating to low‐carbon energy production and therefore attract major investments by private companies. In short, dam building is seen as a pathway to a bright and promising future, a road to modernity, progress, and—to take the most prevalent prescription for a desirable future—sustainable development.