(KPL) Although Laos has many big and small hydropower projects, the majority of the electricity generated, or around 90 percent is exported.

To ensure sufficient domestic supply, last Friday the Nam Ngiep 2 hydropower project was officially opened.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavad and other senior officials of the government.

The construction of Nam Ngiep 2 hydropower project representing a total investment of 2.7 trillion kip (over US$345 million), has taken five years to complete.

The Nam Ngiep 2 dam, with an installation capacity of 180 megawatts, is located in Phaxay district of Xieng Khuang Province.  The project is a joint venture between the China International Water and Electric Corporation which holds 90% of shares, and Electricite du Laos, the main supplier of electricity in Laos, which holds 10 percent of shares. 

Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr Khammany Inthilath said that the construction of the Nam Ngiep 2 dam is part of the master plan for energy development in Laos, aiming to reduce poverty and capitalize on the existing potential of clean and sustainable energy production to drive national development.

The completed construction of Nam Ngiep 2 hydropower project will be a great contribution to the integration of model energy development with the improvement of Lao people’s living conditions.

The electricity generated by the Nam Ngiep 2 hydropower project will be used for domestic consumption including industrial factories in Specific and Special Economic Zones in Vientiane Capital where demand for electricity has been increasing by 15-20 percent per year.

KPL