ຂປລ
(KPL) Bolikhamxay authorities have given concessions to private companies to construct 31 hydropower projects in the province
Manythone Keolangsy
(KPL) Bolikhamxay authorities have given concessions to private companies to construct 31 hydropower projects in the province.
Bolikhamxay has abundant natural resources, along with a high potential especially for the development of hydropower plants.
Over the past years, the electricity power sector has steadily expanded to rural areas, which has resulted in over 280 villages, covering nearly 43,000 households, gaining access to electricity in the province. Only seven villages still do not have permanent access to electricity, said Director of the Bolikhamxay Provincial Energy and Mines Department Manyvanh Xayaphet.
31 hydropower plants with a capacity of up to 15 each have been developed, and three dams are currently under construction, including Nam Mang I with an installation capacity of 65 MW, and Nam Ngiep I and Nam Theun I, each with a generating capacity of 650 MW.
Feasibility studies for future hydropower projects are currently being conducted, including Vangduea dam on the Nam Mouane river, Nam Mouane dam, Nam Theun 4 dam, Nam Ngiep dam in Mai district and Nam Houng dam.
Bolikhamxay has so far signed MoUs with the private sector to conduct studies for the construction of 23 small-scale hydropower plants. Four of the studies have been completed and dams are expected to be constructed soon, said Mr Manyvanh.
Laos is abundant in natural resources for hydropower development and it is expected that up to 28,000 MW can be generated in the future using these natural potentials.
Prior to 1997, Laos generated only 200 megawatts and around 16 percent of the total households countrywide had access to electricity.
To date, Laos has a total installed generation capacity of 450 megawatts and electrified households share 92 percent of the total households in the country.
KPL
