Laos officials hold talks at global hydropower gathering
Play
Laotian energy officials yesterday met with hydropower experts from around the world to discuss ways to advance sustainable hydropower development.
Talks between Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Viraphonh Viravong, his delegation and hydropower experts have been held this week at a meeting of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) in Kuching in Malaysia’s Sarawak state.
“We are here to learn how to achieve sustainability in hydropower development based on international standards and practices,” Viravong was quoted as saying in a media release from the ministry.
Laos has the potential to develop about 100 hydropower plants with a combined installed electricity generation capacity of about 26,000 megawatts. So far, 14 dams have been built with a total installed electricity capacity of 3,200MW.
The government would like to see Laos become the “battery of Asean”, supplying clean and renewable energy to the region. The government has committed to develop hydropower in sustainable ways and is seeking cooperation from the international community.
According to the media release, in a focus session on Wednesday, Viravong explained the Lao government’s commitment to move ahead with the sustainable development of its vast hydropower resources.
“The Lao government is responsible for developing the country for the wellbeing of our people,” he said. “We must develop our resources in a practicable way using international standards and the best, most sustainable methods available to us.”
