Latest news with #LaotianTimes
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos wind farm to begin full operation in late August, says Sekong's Deputy Governor
The 600MW Monsoon Wind Power Project, the first wind farm in Laos and the largest in South-East Asia, is located in Sekong and Attapeu provinces. - Photo: VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Commercial operations of the Monsoon Wind Project, Laos's first and South-East Asia's largest onshore wind farm, is expected to begin by late August or early September. Deputy Governor of Sekong Province, Khanti Seelavongsa, announced the timeline during a provincial council meeting on 15 July. Currently operating at half capacity with 300 megawatts, the 600-megawatt wind farm, valued at approximately USD 950 million, spans 70,800 hectares across of Sekong's Dak Cheung district and Attapeu's Sanxay district in southern Laos. Positioned at elevations between 1,100 and 1,700 meters above sea level, it stands as the first cross-border wind project in the ASEAN region The project consists of 133 onshore turbines, each generating 4.51 megawatts. Electricity generated by the project will be exported to Vietnam via a 500-kilovolt transmission line stretching 65 kilometers, 22 km in Laos and 43 km in Vietnam. This is supported by a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) signed with Vietnam Electricity (EVN). The project began in 2011 with a memorandum of understanding between the government of Laos and the International Energy Agency to develop large-scale wind farms. Following extensive feasibility studies, the Dak Cheung and Sanxay districts were identified as optimal locations in 2015. Later in September 2019, the Vietnamese government approved the wind project, saying it could safely connect to the power grid in Vietnam. Construction began in April 2023, and in the same year, the first wind turbine was put up in October. By 19 May 2025, all turbines were installed, according to ACEN Renewables International, a renewable energy company that owns part of the project. The Monsoon Wind Project is now part of Sekong Province's growing energy network, along with two other hydropower dams, Nam Emoun and Houay La Ngae. - Laotian Times
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos govt to renegotiate hydropower deals amid public outcry over electricity prices
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): The Lao government has announced plans to renegotiate electricity purchasing agreements with hydropower companies in response to growing public anger over rising power bills. This decision comes after widespread backlash following the introduction of a new tiered electricity pricing system set to take effect from 2025 to 2029. The revised pricing, introduced by Electricité du Laos (EDL) in February, significantly raised electricity costs for all households. Even low-use households have seen their monthly bills nearly double in recent months. For instance, a household using 25 kilowatt-hours would pay approximately LAK 8,900 in January this year. By July, that cost had doubled, with further increases expected by the end of the year. High-usage households have been hit even harder. A household using 1,600 kilowatt-hours now faces a monthly bill of nearly LAK 2.5 million, a figure that could rise to over LAK 3.5 million by 2029 if no changes are implemented. The Lao electricity company said the higher rates are needed to fund expansion of the service's access to remote areas, where construction and service costs are high but commercial returns are low. According to EDL, these investments have contributed to the utility's growing debt, prompting a shift in pricing strategy. The issue became a major topic at a recent government cabinet meeting with provincial governors, held in mid-July. Government spokesperson Sonexay Sithphaxay reaffirmed the administration's commitment to reviewing the tariff policy and easing the burden on consumers. The cabinet has now endorsed a plan to reopen talks with hydropower developers in the second half of 2025. Officials hope to secure more affordable electricity rates that reflect both the country's economic realities and public concerns. - Laotian Times
The Star
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos launches climate-smart farming project in six provinces
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Laos is stepping up efforts to tackle climate-related food insecurity and open new export opportunities, with US$68.5 million in support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and partners to modernise agriculture in six climate-vulnerable provinces. The new Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project, running from 2025 to 2030, will focus on improving food security, nutrition, and climate resilience in three northern provinces—Xayabouly, Phongsaly, and Houaphanh, and three southern ones, Salavanh, Sekong, and Champasack. Backed by a mix of loans and grants from the ADB, the EU-ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, and the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, the project reflects the growing need to protect food systems from climate shocks while increasing farm productivity and export potential. At the centre of the plan is climate-resilient farming. Smallholder farmers will receive hands-on training to adapt to changing weather, with a focus on high-value crops like bamboo, coffee, and durian that suit both market demand and local conditions. The project also offers affordable microfinance options to help farmers and rural businesses stay afloat during extreme weather. Key infrastructure such as irrigation systems and rural roads will be upgraded to allow year-round farming and easier access to markets. Community involvement and gender inclusion are also major parts of the plan. Both men and women will help lead and maintain local infrastructure projects, ensuring long-term success and shared responsibility. By tackling climate risks, food shortages, and trade barriers all at once, the project marks a big step in preparing Laos's rural economy for a more unpredictable future. - Laotian Times
The Star
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Laos and South Korea launch medical university project in Vientiane
VINTIANE (Laotian Times): Laos is establishing the first infrastructure for the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Vientiane Capital, aiming to advance the medical sector through human resource training. The initiative is a cooperative project between the Ministry of Health and South Korea's Lsung Company. An agreement was signed on 19 June to construct facilities that will serve as both a hospital and classrooms for Lao medical students. The construction of the facility, located in Xiengda village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane Capital, is expected to begin at the end of this year and be completed by 2028. The eight-floor building will include 400 beds, with both private and shared accommodations. It will also provide health checkups, house a Medical Research Council (MRC) for research, a CT scan unit, and clinical practice areas. In addition to classrooms, the facility will feature a simulation center designed to replicate real-life medical scenarios, allowing students to train in a controlled environment. Most of the medical equipment, IT systems, and teaching experts will be supplied by South Korea. Once completed, the university will aim to improve both healthcare services and education, with the goal of meeting international standards. The Lsung consortium, awarded the construction contract on 26 May, will lead the project with support from subcontractors and government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund. The project is funded by a USD 120 million loan from South Korea, with an additional USD 21 million contributed by the Lao government. - Laotian Times
The Star
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos capital Vientiane launches sustainable tourism initiative with innovative technology for growth
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane with the theme 'Vientiane's Sustainable Tourism,' The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for visitors. This project is a collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital and Packon Company Limited from Thailand. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 28 January to formalize the partnership and pave the way for tourism development in the capital. A key focus will be conducting research to explore opportunities for expanding activities at existing and potential new attractions within the city. This includes studying the feasibility of sustainable tourism practices and developing a viable business model. In addition to tourism, the project will address infrastructure improvements. Plans include enhancing water and clean energy management to support the growing needs of the tourism industry. Efforts will focus on reliable electricity and oil supplies, as well as efficient water management systems for drinking water, drainage, and wastewater treatment. The initiative will also advance communication technologies, such as the implementation of 5G networks and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, to improve data management for city services. This will contribute to safer urban areas and better health standards for residents. Further improvements will target key aspects of city infrastructure, including road construction, traffic management, transportation systems, waste management, and flood control measures. In addition, the project aims to enhance tourist satisfaction by integrating technology to create a more seamless experience. Mobile applications will be developed to assist tourists, service providers, and business owners in areas such as entry and exit systems, tour guides, transportation, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations. These innovations are intended to meet international quality standards while preserving the unique aspects of Vientiane's tourism offerings. The initiative will also focus on developing new attractions along the Mekong River and at That Luang Lake, including upgrading the night market along the river, creating pedestrian-friendly walking streets, and enhancing other popular tourist sites. Electric tour buses will be introduced as a new symbol of Vientiane Capital, contributing to a greener, more sustainable tourism experience. - Laotian Times
