Work began on the Lao section of the China-Laos 500 kV power interconnection project on February 26 in the capital, Vientiane.
Once operational, the project will significantly enhance the electricity interconnection and mutual support between China and Laos.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, government officials, and representatives from the Chinese government and enterprises attended the launch ceremony.
Phosay said the project is a strategic energy initiative that will better support the economic development of Laos and further expand the interconnection of power grids and electricity mutual assistance between Laos and China’s southern provinces.
Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong said the project is another significant achievement in deepening practical cooperation between the two countries, following the completion of the China-Laos Railway, as part of their joint efforts in building the Belt and Road.
“As the pioneer of economic and social development, electricity plays a crucial role in improving people's well-being and fostering regional prosperity,” she said.
“We must continue to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both parties and countries, with the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor as the central focus, while further strengthening cooperation in energy and electricity through power grid interconnection.”
The power project is a major initiative under the action plan to build a China-Laos community with a shared future and is scheduled for completion by 2026.
The project is expected to increase the capacity for bilateral electricity support to 1.5 million kilowatts, enabling the delivery of approximately 3 billion kWh of clean electricity.
The Lao section of the project is being built by Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited, while the Chinese section is managed by China Southern Power Grid.
The project includes the construction of a new 500 kV substation in Laos and a 183.5 km cross-border transmission line connecting Laos’ Oudomxay Province and Xishuangbanna in China’s Yunnan Province.
Plans also include the construction of two 230 kV lines to link the northern Lao grid. Once operational, the project will effectively contribute to Laos’ development as a center for clean energy interconnection and integration in the Lancang-Mekong region.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
