Lao PDR Ramps Up Electricity Exports to Viet Nam
Power lines from the 1070 MW Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant in Lao PDR. 95% of the power produced by the plant is exported to Thailand, and the rest are consumed locally. Photo by Ariel Javellana/ADB.
The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is increasing its electricity exports generated from its hydropower projects to its neighbors in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Viet Nam. Lao PDR and Viet Nam have signed MoUs targeting to export 8,148 MW from Lao PDR to Viet Nam by 2030. Lao PDR also signed contracts with Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) to implement 25 projects with a combined capacity of 2,180 megawatts.
Viet Nam Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính recently emphasized the importance of ensuring Viet Nam’s national energy security. “The most important requirement for the electricity industry in 2022 and the following years is to ensure electricity supply for the country's socio-economic development and they must absolutely create no power shortage, and no energy crisis,” said the Prime Minister addressing EVN.
Lao PDR’s electricity exports to Cambodia is estimated to reach 6,000 MW by 2030. It also exports electricity to Thailand.
Last Updated: 5 August 2022
