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Laos to import less electricity this year
Laos expects to import less electricity from neighbouring countries this year now that several hydropower plants in the country are operational.
According to an annual report from Electricite du Laos, the power company expects to import 555 million kWh in 2011 - a 50 percent drop on the previous year - due to the increasing number of domestic hydropower plants in operation.
Laos imported 998 million kWh in 2010, resulting in foreign currency outflow to Thailand, China and Vietnam of US$50 million as demand for power increased due to rapid economic growth. The Nam Ngum 1 dam in Vientiane was unable to generate enough electricity partly due to low reservoir levels.
The dam built for the Nam Ngum 2 hydropower plant, which is located upstream of Nam Ngum 1, was one of the main causes of water shortage. The Nam Ngum 2 dam began releasing water to Nam Ngum 1 at the end of last year.
Nam Theun 2, the largest hydropower plant in Laos, began commercial operation last March, with 70MW of the installed 1070MW used for domestic consumption.
The Nam Lik 1-2 plant came on line last August, with all of its 100MW capacity being consumed domestically.
EDL says it expects to purchase 781 million kWh from independent power plants in Laos - a 31 percent increase on the previous year. These plants include the Theun Hinboun in Khammuan province and Houyho in Attapeu province.
According to EDL, total electricity consumption in Laos is forecast to reach 2,554 million kWh this year - a 10 percent increase on last year.
The power company currently manages four plants after handing over six plants including Nam Ngum 2 to the Electricity Generation Public Company at the end of last year as part of government plans to raise capital through power plant development.
Although Laos is a major exporter of electricity in Asia, it still has to import electricity in areas where the national grid does not penetrate. Most power generation projects are funded by foreign investors who target overseas markets.
Laos exports power in the wet season and imports in the dry season due to low river levels.
At present, Laos has 10 hydropower plants in operation. Another 17 plants are in the planning stage, including a 1,260MW plant in Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces. Another 45 hydropower plants are undergoing feasibility studies.
EDL aims to expand the electricity grid to the remotest parts of the country. It plans for 80 percent of households to access electricity by 2015 and 90 percent by 2020.
At present around 70 percent of houses are connected to the power grid.
vientiane times
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