Can Laos export power lines?

The country wants to integrate its 120 KV domestic grid and the 240 KV export power lines; a plan for this is under way. In fact, grid integration is key to Laos’ ability to export farther afield and to truly partake in multi-directional trade, as the variability of renewable energy sources needs to be managed via a stable grid.

Can Laos lead regional energy interconnectivity in ASEAN?

Sharon Seah and Mirza Sadaqat Huda examine Laos’ potential role in leading regional energy interconnectivity in ASEAN. Laos will kick off the ASEAN calendar with a ministerial retreat in Luang Prabang this weekend (January 27-28) under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.

Does Laos need a new electricity pricing model?

Laos Explores New Electricity Pricing Model for 2024-2028 to Ensure Energy Sector Sustainability The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) is considering adjustments to electricity pricing for the 2024-2028 period to sustain long-term electricity generation and supply in Laos.

When did Laos start a cross-border power trade with Thailand?

Commencement of commercial scale cross-border power trade to Thailand began in 2005 with the operation of Nam Ngum 2 Hydropower Plant. Subsequently, Laos accelerated development of hydropower projects and transmission lines with even bigger projects such as the Nam Theun 2 and Xayaburi dams.

Could Laos be the region's battery?

Its ambitions to be the region’s battery saw Laos give out long-term concessions to build power lines that export electricity directly from plants to neighbouring states using a Build-Operate-Transmit (BOT) model. Laos’ 77 hydropower dams run on a combination of export-oriented and domestic-serving independent power producers.

How many hydropower dams will Laos have by 2035?

Laos aims to expand from its current 77 to 100 hydropower dams by 2035. The last five years has seen increasing momentum in energy integration in Southeast Asia. Since it was envisioned in 1999, the progress of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) has been incremental and limited to bilateral projects.