KOICA conducts hydropower pre-feasibility study in Laos
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VIENTIANE - The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has sent a group of Korean experts to Vientiane province for a pre-feasibility study of a small hydropower pilot project from January 21-31.
The main objective of this preliminary study is to make a proper evaluation on the feasibility of the project through data collection, topographical/geological/hydrological survey, and site investigation.
There are three proposed small hydropower sites on the rivers of Huay Pamom, Nam Khat and Nam Sana in Kasy district.
During their visit, the group of Korean experts in the field of electricity and hydropower are holding meetings with government officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Electricite du Laos (EDL).
Experts from both countries discussed their plans, budget estimation, scope of work, and the feasibility of the project in order to produce successful outcomes of the study.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Kim Soo-Gwon, said “Given that Laos has plenty of water resources which can be developed as hydropower, there is a great potential for small hydropower projects to meet the rapidly increasing demand for electricity as well as to secure an energy supply across the country.”
One of the Korean experts added “Compared to large hydropower, small hydropower is likely to be more environmentally friendly for power supply to isolated villages, farmers' irrigation, and water supply to local communities. In this way, the successful implementation of the project will contribute to sustainable development throughout the country.”
If the feasibility of the project is successfully examined through this preliminary survey, it is expected that KOICA would support the project with US$12.85 million from 2017 to 2020.
