How does Lao PDR plan to increase power exports to neighboring countries?

Specifically, Lao PDR intends to augment power exports to the aforementioned neighboring countries mentioned above. Increase power supply eficiency by 75 % for hydropower, 14 % for thermal power plants, and 11 % for renewable energy; and meet the domestic demand and export target. Develop transmission lines for domestic power supply and for export.

How many solar power plants are there in Laos?

However, by the end of last year, only eight solar power projects and four biomass power plants were in operation, with an installed generation capacity of 116 MW, representing just 1% of the country’s total electricity production. As of early 2023, Laos produced power from 76 hydropower dams, with another 43 still under construction.

How much energy does Lao PDR have?

Source: The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Department of Energy Policy and Planning (2019), Lao Energy Balance Table Collection Historical. 14 December. In 2019, Lao PDR’s total primary energy supply (TPES) was 5.9 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), and the energy mix consisted of hydropower, oil, coal, solar and biomass.

Should Laos rely on hydropower?

At first glance, it would appear that Laos’ overreliance on hydropower would be beneficial in terms of energy independence and a negligible carbon footprint, but challenges remain. On the one hand, hydropower is considered a clean energy source.

How much electricity does Lao PDR export?

As there were many power plants in Lao PDR generating electricity for export in 2019, the export figure reached 25,048 gigawatt-hours (GWh) or equivalent to 2.15 Mtoe. This amounted to more than half of all electricity consumed in the country and 77% of total hydropower generation.

Is renewable power gaining traction in Laos?

Renewable power generation is slowly gaining traction in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos). However, the country of only 8 million people doesn’t receive as much attention as its larger and more powerful fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, particularly Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.