Wedoany.com Report-Mar 3, The Laos-China 500kV interconnection project has been officially launched in the Lao capital, Vientiane.

The project will position Laos as a regional hub for clean energy interconnection.

The launching ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong, Lao Minister of Energy and Mines Phoxay Sayasone and China Southern Power Grid (CSG) vice-president Liu Wei.

The initiative is set to expand bilateral power exchanges, enhancing co-operation between the two nations.

The project, to be operational by 2026, will facilitate a two-way electricity exchange capacity of 1.5 million kW, delivering 3 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually, advancing strategic energy cooperation.

The Laos section of the project is being developed by Electricité du Laos Transmission (EDL-T), while CSG will manage the Chinese section.

The project encompasses a new 500kV substation in Laos, a 183.5km cross-border transmission line linking Namor in Oudomxay, Laos, with Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, China, and two 230kV lines connecting the northern Laos power grid.

The project will position Laos as a regional hub for clean energy interconnection in the Lancang-Mekong area.

CSG has also donated power equipment and materials to EDL to enhance its operational and maintenance capabilities.

Chinese Ambassador Fang Hong stressed the importance of the project, noting that the Laos-China 500-kV interconnection project marks a major step forward in practical cooperation between the two countries.

She underscored the essential role of electricity in fostering economic and social progress, and regional growth.

Lao Minister Phoxay Sayasone noted the project’s strategic importance within Laos’s Five-Year Energy and Mines Development Plan 2021-25.

The interconnection project bolsters economic growth, expands grid interconnections and electricity exchanges between Laos and southern China, and supports Laos’ goal of becoming a regional hub for energy connectivity in ASEAN [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations].

CSG vice-president Liu Wei emphasised that the company will leverage cutting-edge technologies, equipment and standards to enhance regional power connectivity. He highlighted CSG’s dedication to advancing energy exchanges across regions and establishing a model for power collaboration.