Is Laos the battery of Southeast Asia?

Lee Li Wan With electricity exports to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and even Singapore, Laos has arguably realised its ambition to be the battery of Southeast Asia. The bulk of these exports are from hydropower.

Does Laos have a power grid?

To alleviate its debt, Laos has given the joint-venture Électricité du Laos Transmission Company Ltd., which the Chinese state-owned China Southern Power Grid Company owns a majority share, a 25-year concession agreement giving it the rights to build and manage its power grid, including electricity exports rights.

Will Laos' dams help Southeast Asia meet its growing energy demand?

Laos’ dams will help Southeast Asia meet its growing energy demand without adding to its carbon emissions; indeed, hydropower accounts for the largest share of global renewable energy capacity, helping countries reduce their reliance on planet-warming fossil fuels. The chart above shows that hydropower is the top renewable energy source.

Does Laos export hydropower?

More than two thirds of its current hydropower capacity in operation is exported, and he said the power sector’s contribution to Laos’ gross domestic product (GDP) is approaching 15 per cent. Dr Daovong Phonekeo was appointed as minister of energy and mines last year.

Should Laos rethink its hydropower strategy?

Gary Lee is the Southeast Asia programme director of International Rivers. “Laos should reconsider its strategy and its reliance on large-scale hydropower development as a means of revenue generation,” he urged.

Does Laos have wind power?

The company is also looking at other forms of clean energy. He said its current solar capacity is about 80 megawatts, while Laos also has “quite large” wind power potential, especially near the Vietnamese border. He cited a 600-megawatt wind farm being developed, which will supply power to Vietnam.