Chinese power firm expands renewable energy project in Laos

China General Nuclear has signed an agreement with Laos to expand a major renewable energy project in the northern region of the country, according to the People’s Daily.

The new deal, shall add a second phase of the project that will include a 580 megawatt (MW) wind and solar plant in Luang Namtha province and a 420 MW solar plant in Oudomxay province.

This follows an initial agreement from September 2023 for a 1000 MW solar plant in Oudomxay province. Construction of the first phase is underway, set to connect to a existing power line transferring generated power from Laos to China’s Yunnan province. It remains unclear if the second phase will also supply power to China.

Laos Vice Minister of Energy and Mines Thongpath Inthavon stated that the project aims to enhance power sector connectivity between northern Laos and China.

Laos, traditionally reliant on hydropower, is shifting its focus to renewable sources amid rising energy demands and challenges from lower rainfall.

Attribution: Reuters