Laos weighs renewable power exports of up to 500MW to Singapore
Three companies are exploring a five- to 15-year supply arrangement, with progress on buyers, approvals and certification targeted by 2027.
- Singapore's Tuas Power, Electricité du Laos (EDL), and Phongsupthavy Group signed a memorandum of understanding to explore supplying up to 500MW of renewable electricity from Laos to Singapore.
- The proposed plan would scale up over time, starting with 100MW in the first year, 300MW in the second, and reaching the 500MW target thereafter.
- The power would primarily be from hydropower, supplemented by solar and wind energy to accommodate seasonal fluctuations in hydroelectric generation.
- The project builds on the existing Lao PDR–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project but faces challenges such as securing cross-border transmission agreements and regulatory approvals.
Singapore-based Tuas Power, Electricité du Laos (EDL) and Phongsupthavy Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore supplying Singapore with up to 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity from Laos.
The signing took place on October 30 at Marina Bay Sands, on the sidelines of Singapore International Energy Week. According to The Straits Times, the companies intend to assess the technical requirements and commercial arrangements for the potential supply.
One major challenge is obtaining bilateral agreements allowing the electricity to cross borders, Phongsupthavy Group managing director Somlath Mek Akath told The Straits Times.
He indicated that the group would draw supplies from its projects in both northern and southern Laos.
By 2027, the partners aim to have made progress on electricity buyers, regulatory requirements and relevant certification.
Tuas Power is pursuing the necessary approvals and commercial arrangements, while the proposal also depends on cross-border transmission agreements and sufficient capacity to carry the electricity.
Electricity already makes a significant contribution to the Lao economy.
A government report presented to the National Assembly in November 2025 reviewed progress in implementing the ninth Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan and put the value of generation during 2021–2025 at 259,603 billion kip, above the planned 140,879 billion kip.
In volume terms, generation amounted to 251,052 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), or 90.93% of the target of 276,096 million kWh.
The report also recorded exports of 195,602 million kWh over the same five years.
Comparing these export and generation totals puts the share sent abroad at about 78%, highlighting the importance of overseas markets.
The proposed partnership would build on the Lao PDR–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project.
When that initiative began in 2022, it enabled Singapore to import up to 100MW of Lao hydropower through regional transmission infrastructure already in place.
The new arrangement envisages a five- to 15-year contract covering 100MW in the first year, 300MW in the second and 500MW thereafter.
That maximum would be more than double the existing project’s current permitted capacity of 200MW.
Solar and wind could be used alongside the main hydropower supply to accommodate seasonal fluctuations in hydroelectric generation.
Stronger cooperation could support a more integrated ASEAN Power Grid, according to EDL managing director Souksavart Sosouphanh.
The Straits Times reportehttps://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_212_Laos_y26.phpd that he was confident about this prospect and viewed progress in regional electricity trade as encouraging.
He welcomed the partnership for its potential contribution to regional electricity integration.
The arrangement could give Laos a broader regional market for renewable electricity and a stronger position as a supplier.
Whether it moves beyond exploration depends on commercial negotiations, regulatory approvals and sufficient cross-border transmission capacity.
Souece: Vientiane Times
