“SOMETHING UNIQUE”
The project is also key to Vietnam reaching net-zero emissions targets by 2050, according to Ninh Xuan Hiep, an official at EVN’s National Power Transmission Corporation.
He said that by 2030, Laos imports would equal nearly 10 per cent of Vietnam’s total installed capacity – its maximum possible production.
Monsoon Wind plans to boost capacity by 1,000 megawatts and is working to ensure some of this additional power is used inside Laos, according to general manager Narut Boakajorn.
“Laos has so much natural resources” – wind, hydro and solar, Narut said.
“Not many countries have all the good renewable energy in the same place. Laos has something unique.”
The government was set to reap US$180 million over the 25-year contract period, including taxes and community development and environmental protection funds, Narut added.
He insisted nobody was forced to relocate because of the project, although public dissent is severely restricted in communist Laos.
He said 1,600 grievances logged – mainly from farmers requesting compensation for construction impacts on their crops – were resolved.
Farmer Phonekhan Sengsopha, 23, said he was proud that electricity produced in his country was being sent to its neighbour, also a communist nation.
“Because Vietnam and Laos are like brothers. They help one another.”
