Nation Thailand
Laos wind farm seen as model for wider ASEAN electricity trade
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Monsoon Wind Power’s electricity exports from Laos to Vietnam could offer a model for the long-delayed ASEAN Power Grid, according to Narut Boakajorn, the project’s general manager.
Key facts
- Our project is in Laos but we are selling our electricity to Vietnam, which is showing that we as an ASEAN community can achieve the ASEAN Power Grid,”
- Annual electricity demand growth of about 4% offers considerable opportunities but requires substantial investment in generation and transmission
- A consortium of international and regional financial institutions, including ADB, financed the US$950 million (S$1.2 billion) project.
- Its US$1.1 million annual budget covers education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure improvements in surrounding villages.
- For local villager Sunsamone Saypanya, 42, stable construction employment with Monsoon means US$10 (S$13) daily, compared with US$6 from odd jobs previously.
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is working with development partners to mobilise funding for full regional integration by 2045.
Summary
“Our project is in Laos but we are selling our electricity to Vietnam, which is showing that we as an ASEAN community can achieve the ASEAN Power Grid,” he said.
Narut considers exports beyond Vietnam possible in the near future, with surplus power potentially reaching other countries.