Construction has commenced on the first phase of the one-million-kilowatt photovoltaic project at China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN)’s clean energy base in northern Laos.
In what is the first large-scale solar photovoltaic project in Laos, CGN will collaborate with more than 70 Chinese and Laotian enterprises to establish a benchmark for electricity cooperation under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework.
The clean energy base is a vital power source supporting China-Laos power interconnection. It will help Laos transform its natural advantages into economic benefits, expand the scale of power cooperation between the two countries, and achieve resource sharing, market complementarity and industrial collaboration.
With an installed capacity of one million kilowatts, the phase I project is expected to generate an average of 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours of power annually, enough to meet the power consumption demands of around 10 million households.
Energy conservation as a result of the project is equivalent to saving about 510,000 tons of standard coal annually, reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide by 270 tons, nitrogen oxides by 302 tons, and carbon dioxide by 1.4 million tons. The clean energy produced will be transmitted to Yunnan province in China via the China-Laos 500kV grid, supporting Yunnan’s energy transition and power supply security.
Laos is currently at a critical stage of its energy transition. The construction of CGN’s clean energy base in the north of the country will leverage China’s expertise, technology and manufacturing capabilities in renewable energy to support its neighbor’s energy transformation and industrial upgrading.
The project in Oudomxay province exemplifies the success of China-Laos cooperation. Beyond energy production, the project will drive improvements in local infrastructure, including roads, education, water supply and community facilities, while creating stable employment opportunities. It aims to transform rural areas into thriving towns, foster modern lifestyles and contribute to Oudomxay’s socioeconomic development.
Statistics show that the first phase of the project is expected to involve over 40 Chinese companies specializing in manufacturing, construction and engineering, along with more than 30 Laotian firms.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs locally, and contribute to Laos' green energy transformation, while boosting economic and social development.
In addition to contributing to Laos’ economic development, CGN is committed to sharing the benefits with local communities. CGN has implemented initiatives such as vocational training, educational support, community building, medical assistance, and agricultural aid to address urgent local needs and improve living standards.
On the day construction began, the "CGN Road" in Oudomxay’s Muang Xai district officially opened to traffic. The once dusty dirt road has been replaced by a smooth cement road, significantly improving local infrastructure and facilitating travel for nearby residents.
In partnership with Chinese and Lao universities, CGN has implemented joint training programs to develop a workforce skilled in renewable energy technologies for Laos. By conducting training in phases, CGN has successfully trained 50 Lao engineers who are now actively contributing to the clean energy industry in Laos.
In ecological protection, CGN has implemented stringent environmental measures, including construction avoidance and environmental restoration strategies, to achieve “zero occupation” of forest reserves and residential areas.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
