VIENTIANE, Nov 11 (NNN-KPL) – Lao state-run Electricite du Laos (EDL), of the Lao government, completed more than 80 percent of a power grid extension, that will deliver electricity to a Cambodian transmission line, on the border of the two countries.
This follows the signing of an electricity purchase agreement between Laos and Cambodia, during a working visit by Prime Minister, Thongloun Sisoulith, to Cambodia in Sept.
The visit took the two countries’ relationship to new heighs, with the signing of several important documents, including the electricity purchase agreement, said local daily, Vientiane Times, today.
Cambodia agreed to buy 2,400 MW of electricity from Laos in four phases, over a period of 30 years. The first phase is set to start by the end of 2024, with 300 MW, the second phase will go into operation by 2025, with an additional 600 MW, while the third phase in 2026 with 600 MW, and the fourth phase by 2027 with the last 900 MW for a total of 2,400 MW.
Laos’ Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Thongphath Inthavong, said that, more than 80 percent of the work to install the transmission line, that will send electricity to Cambodia, has been completed.
Laos will export electricity to Cambodia from two coal-fired power plants in Xekong province, some 530 km southeast of the capital, Vientiane.
Laos already exports electricity to neighbouring countries, with Thailand being the major buyer. Laos also plans to export power to other ASEAN countries via the regional power grid.– NNN-KPL