ASEAN member Laos has plans to increase renewable energy in its power mix, notably solar power buildout. However, it continues to rely on hydropower and coal-fired power plants to generate electricity, complicating both its way forward and decarbonisation plans.
Which power companies are responsible for electricity production in Laos?
Power companies responsible for energy and electricity production in Laos include: Electricite du Laos, Glow Energy (a subsidiary of GDF Suez), Lao Holding State Enterprise and Nam Theun 2 Power Company, a consortium comprising French-owned EDF (40% ownership), Thai (35%) and Lao (25%) entities.
Does Laos have hydro power?
Aside from large-scale hydro power, Laos has also significant small-scale hydro and solar energy potential.
How is energy used in Laos?
Total energy supply (TES) includes all the energy produced in or imported to a country, minus that which is exported or stored. It represents all the energy required to supply end users in the country.
In particular, electricity exports have benefited from high-profile foreign direct investment in the development of hydropower projects. Laos has an enormous hydropower potential of more than 18,000 MW, excluding the main stream of the Mekong River and up to 27,000 MW with it.
Does Electricite du Laos have a debt?
Chanthaboun acknowledged the energy sector's debt and said Electricite du Laos has “invested a lot” in power transmission and substations to give Lao citizens — spread over a “quite large” land area — access to electricity. Electricite du Laos has built a “huge network", said managing director Chanthaboun Soukaloun.
Why did the Lao Government develop hydropower plants?
With the SEA research, the Lao government's decision to develop hydropower plants is explained by its economic benefit. The Lao Government has ongoing plans for 50+ new hydropower plants for electricity export. However, hydropower development may have large environmental and social consequences beyond national borders.