To support its efforts to achieve green growth and alternative and clean energy development in Laos, the government is partnering with a Chinese company on a solar power project.
Following a successful feasibility study on a solar energy project with an installed capacity of 1,200MW on the surface of the Nam Ngum 1 dam reservoir, a China-based company, Hangzhou Safefound Technology Co., Ltd., and LAO-PPA Co., Ltd. have signed a Project Development Agreement (PDA) with the government and will proceed with the scheme.
The feasibility study was conducted with a focus on the nearby community of Phonsavath village in Longxan district, Xaysomboun province, after the project developer recognised the potential of this ideal geographical location with almost year-round sunlight.
The PDA was signed at the Ministry of Planning and Investment in Vientiane on Wednesday, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the feasibility study in 2018.
The Project Development Agreement was signed by the Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Mrs Khamchan Vongsaenboun, Chairman of the Hangzhou Safefound Technology Co., Ltd., Mr Rui Zhao, Managing Director of Lao PPA Co., Ltd., Mr Sengthongphachan Syvongxay, and Vice Chairman of Hangzhou Safefound Technology Co., Ltd., Mr Xiangming Fang.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Dr Sinava Souphanouvong and Director of Xaysomboun province’s Planning and Investment Department Mr Chanthanome Vongsomchith signed the witness documents.
Deputy Governor of Xaysomboun province Mr Phoykham Houngbounyuang and Managing Director of Electricte du Laos (EDL) Mr Boun-oum Syvanpheng were also present at the signing ceremony.
The solar power project is a joint venture between the Lao government and Hangzhou Safefound Technology Co., Ltd. The government will hold a 20 percent share, while the company will own 80 percent of shares over a period of 25 years.
Covering a total area of 1,500 hectares, the solar power project is divided into different stages of development, depending on market demand and socio-economic development needs.
According to the development plan, a 300MW capacity solar power plant will be operational from late 2020 until 2023 with an annual power generation capacity of 37,852.86 GWh.
From 2023 to 2026, the plant’s capacity will be increased to 900MW and a transmission grid will be built from the project site to the Sengsavang Substation in Sengsavang Village, Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hangzhou Safefound Technology Co., Ltd. Chairman Mr Rui Zhao said his company has 15 years of experience in production chains for solar power supplies.
“For our project in Laos, we have successfully conducted a feasibility study on the project alongside completion of the Environment and Social Impact Assessment. We also expect to get all the work done in order to reach a Concession Agreement before construction of the project can begin within this year,” he said.
After signing the PDA, the project developer will continue to implement other signed agreements within 24 months, including making a detailed plan of the project.
The company will proceed with development as planned to ensure it can enter into a Concession Agreement with the government, plan for the second and third phases of development, and seek foreign markets.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 21, 2020)
Friday, February 21, 2020
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Ministry calls for cut in energy usage during hot season
The Ministry of Energy and Mines is warning businesses and members of the public that it will be necessary to conserve electricity during times of peak load from March to June.
Offices, factories, businesses, irrigation plants, construction projects and all other entities are advised to use electricity sparingly between the hours of 1-11 pm.
This is because less power can be generated as reservoirs are only half full, according to an announcement issued by the ministry on February 10.
Electricite du Laos anticipates that electricity generation will not be sufficient to supply all areas during times of peak consumption, especially to factories in the capital and Vientiane province. To ensure enough electricity can be supplied to as many households and businesses as possible, the ministry is calling on everyone to minimise the use of energy.
Factories should cut electricity consumption by half during times of peak load.
Offices, businesses and individuals must all play their part and reduce their use of electricity by being aware of consumption.
This means switching off all devices and appliances when they are not needed, such as fans, television sets, lights and air conditioning.
Currently, the electricity grid reaches 95 percent of the country. EDL was established in 1961 and produces, manages, services and develops the provision of electricity in line with Party guidelines and state laws. It supplies electricity across Laos and to neighbouring countries and is an active contributor to the development of the economy, society and government.
EDL’s mission is ensure an adequate, universal, and inclusive supply of electricity for sale to support socio-economic development and enable expansion of the electricity grid, taking into account environmental considerations and the needs of the general public.
It complies with Party and government policies, especially those that seek to modernise industry, to create an enterprise that is efficient and capable of adjusting to the changing needs of the economy.
By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update February 17, 2020)
http://vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent
Offices, factories, businesses, irrigation plants, construction projects and all other entities are advised to use electricity sparingly between the hours of 1-11 pm.
This is because less power can be generated as reservoirs are only half full, according to an announcement issued by the ministry on February 10.
Electricite du Laos anticipates that electricity generation will not be sufficient to supply all areas during times of peak consumption, especially to factories in the capital and Vientiane province. To ensure enough electricity can be supplied to as many households and businesses as possible, the ministry is calling on everyone to minimise the use of energy.
Factories should cut electricity consumption by half during times of peak load.
Offices, businesses and individuals must all play their part and reduce their use of electricity by being aware of consumption.
This means switching off all devices and appliances when they are not needed, such as fans, television sets, lights and air conditioning.
Currently, the electricity grid reaches 95 percent of the country. EDL was established in 1961 and produces, manages, services and develops the provision of electricity in line with Party guidelines and state laws. It supplies electricity across Laos and to neighbouring countries and is an active contributor to the development of the economy, society and government.
EDL’s mission is ensure an adequate, universal, and inclusive supply of electricity for sale to support socio-economic development and enable expansion of the electricity grid, taking into account environmental considerations and the needs of the general public.
It complies with Party and government policies, especially those that seek to modernise industry, to create an enterprise that is efficient and capable of adjusting to the changing needs of the economy.
By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update February 17, 2020)
http://vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent
Sunday, February 9, 2020
MRC discusses proposed Luang Prabang dam
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) held a forum last week for Lao authorities to hold talks with other Mekong nations before going ahead with construction of the Luang Prabang hydropower project.
Laos last year submitted the hydropower scheme – another dam in the lower Mekong basin – for the Prior Consultation process as required by the 1995 Mekong Agreement. The consultation process will continue until April.
At the 9th Mekong River Regional Stakeholder Forum, which was held from February 5 to 6 in Luang Prabang, the Lao government presented details of the hydropower plant to representatives of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, civil society, academics, the private sector, and development partners, for comment.
In response to the Lao government’s engagement in the forum, representatives of the Mekong countries said they appreciated the government’s presentation of the facts for them to review.
They also wanted the government to address the potential impact of the Luang Prabang dam on downstream Mekong countries.
Lao government representatives said they valued the comments and suggestions from the countries concerned and forum participants, and that the government would consider their suggestions.
“We also want a good project that lasts,” a senior official from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Mr Vithounlabandish Thommabout, said as quoted in the MRC media release.
“We’re working closely with the developer and its international engineering teams to further improve the design and mitigation measures following the feasibility stage,” Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr Saynakhone Inthavong, said.
“The Lao government highly appreciates the comments from all stakeholders during this prior consultation process and is continually committed to addressing legitimate concerns.”
Proposed on the Mekong mainstream in Houygno village, Luang Prabang province, located about 25km from the town of Luang Prabang and 2,036km from Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, the power plant will generate electricity mainly for sale to Thailand and Vietnam when commercial operation begins in 2027.
In addition to discussing the possible impacts of the dam, the forum considered the draft Basin Development Strategy for 2021-2030, a 10-year strategic direction for development planning within the region.
This aims to optimise Member Countries’ development plans while minimising the risks and effects on the environment.
The forum said the strategy was ambitious but considered it proactive in tackling the real basin-wide issues.
Among the many recommendations they made were increasing stakeholder engagement, strengthening cooperation among the four MRC Member Countries, and increasing an open and transparent sharing of information.
The strategy is expected to be ready in the middle of this year after going through several rounds of regional and national consultations.
By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update February 10, 2020)
Laos last year submitted the hydropower scheme – another dam in the lower Mekong basin – for the Prior Consultation process as required by the 1995 Mekong Agreement. The consultation process will continue until April.
At the 9th Mekong River Regional Stakeholder Forum, which was held from February 5 to 6 in Luang Prabang, the Lao government presented details of the hydropower plant to representatives of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, civil society, academics, the private sector, and development partners, for comment.
In response to the Lao government’s engagement in the forum, representatives of the Mekong countries said they appreciated the government’s presentation of the facts for them to review.
They also wanted the government to address the potential impact of the Luang Prabang dam on downstream Mekong countries.
Lao government representatives said they valued the comments and suggestions from the countries concerned and forum participants, and that the government would consider their suggestions.
“We also want a good project that lasts,” a senior official from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Mr Vithounlabandish Thommabout, said as quoted in the MRC media release.
“We’re working closely with the developer and its international engineering teams to further improve the design and mitigation measures following the feasibility stage,” Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr Saynakhone Inthavong, said.
“The Lao government highly appreciates the comments from all stakeholders during this prior consultation process and is continually committed to addressing legitimate concerns.”
Proposed on the Mekong mainstream in Houygno village, Luang Prabang province, located about 25km from the town of Luang Prabang and 2,036km from Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, the power plant will generate electricity mainly for sale to Thailand and Vietnam when commercial operation begins in 2027.
In addition to discussing the possible impacts of the dam, the forum considered the draft Basin Development Strategy for 2021-2030, a 10-year strategic direction for development planning within the region.
This aims to optimise Member Countries’ development plans while minimising the risks and effects on the environment.
The forum said the strategy was ambitious but considered it proactive in tackling the real basin-wide issues.
Among the many recommendations they made were increasing stakeholder engagement, strengthening cooperation among the four MRC Member Countries, and increasing an open and transparent sharing of information.
The strategy is expected to be ready in the middle of this year after going through several rounds of regional and national consultations.
By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update February 10, 2020)
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