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Strategy gives boost to renewable energy sector
A draft of the national renewable energy strategy is waiting for government approval while officials continue discussing a draft decree to implement the scheme.
Officials from the energy sector and private business representatives yesterday gathered for a two-day workshop on the draft decree on the implementation of the renewable energy strategy at the Lane Xang Hotel in Vientiane.
The workshop was organised by the Department of Electricity under the Ministry of Energy and Mines and supported by the government of Finland.
Department Deputy Director General Dr Daovong Phonekeo told the meeting that the renewable energy strategy has been sent to the government for consideration and approval.
He said the department and consultants have worked on a draft decree outlining how to best implement the strategy.
“We expect the draft decree to be submitted to the government for approval towards the end of this year.”
“So we are here to generate ideas to make the decree as effective and suitable as possible. The outcomes of this meeting will be used to improve the draft decree.”
The workshop will focus on bio-fuel production, biogas production, biomass gasification and solar energy production.
Development of the strategy started in mid-2009 with the aims of ensuring 30 percent of all energy comes from renewable sources and reducing fuel imports by 10 percent by 2025.
The strategy also includes a target to provide access to electricity to 90 percent of all households nationwide by 2020.
Development of the renewable energy sector requires the participation of both the government and private sectors. The strategy focuses on hydropower, solar energy, wind power, energy from waste, bio-gas and bio-fuel.
The strategy outlines that the development of renewable energy must take into account the potential of Laos and contribute to sustainable development.
More investment in the renewable energy sector is needed and the strategy focuses on boosting the participation of the private sector in developing alternative energy sources.
It is expected that there will be more private sector investment in renewable energy once the strategy has been approved and implemented.
The depletion of natural fuels is leading to rising prices and bringing attention to the need to develop alternative environmentally friendly sources of fuel.
vientiane times
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