Vientiane, 20 November 2021 (TDI): Laos is all set to export electricity to the ASEAN member states, this year. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Planning and Investment of Laos, Dr. Sonexay Siphandone informed the parliament that the country has exported over 26,972 kWh million of power to other states.
The total revenue generated by exporting electricity this year is approximately 2,012 million USD. There is a total increase of 12 percent as compared to the last year.
Production of Electricity in Laos
Laos has the capacity to produce 10,400 MW of electricity. Hydropower plants of the country produce 80 percent of the country’s electricity. Laos uses 86 types of energy sources to generate electricity. Other resources are coal, biomass, along with solar power plants.
Exporting Electricity to the ASEAN Member States
Minister of Energy and Mines, Dr. Daovong Phonekeo, notified the National Assembly that the construction of new power plants is well underway. The electricity that will be generated from these new power plants will be exported to the ASEAN member states. It is through the sale of electricity that Laos generates most of its income.
The main countries where Laos sells its electricity are Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. In September this year, Laos signed an agreement with Singapore as well. Singapore is now going to import electricity from Laos via Thailand and Malaysia.
Supply of Electricity at National Level
- Siphandone also told the parliament that a total of 7,253 million kWh worth LAK 7,547 billion is supplied to the domestic market. Currently, at the local level, the supply of electricity surpasses the demand of the country.
- This demand is going to increase every year by 10 percent. On the brighter side, 95 percent of the households in Laos have unhindered access to electricity. 93 percent of all major important towns as well as capitals also have access to electricity.
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