French research institute, Nam Theun 2 partner in environmental studies

The French Research Institute for Development (IRD) and Nam Theun 2 Power Company (NTPC) have agreed to cooperate on research in environmental protection, especially water quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
CEO of NTPC, Mr Olivier Didry and IRD representative, Mr Eric Deharo signed an agreement last week which was witnessed by NTPC Senior Government Affairs Coordinator, Mr Olay Phommavong along with invited guests.
Under the agreement, the two parties will take part in monitoring and research activities, training, and consultancy in fields such as water quality and nutrients, carbon and nitrogen cycles, as well as greenhouse gas dynamics and emissions.
The project will also include training and capacity building activities for technical staff, sourcing co-funding, creation of international joint research laboratories and more.
IRD and NTPC have been collaborating in the fields of environmental and aquatic sciences within the Nam Theun 2 Aquatic and Environment Lab in Gnommalath district, Khammuan province.
The agreement was put together as part of Nam Theun 2’s intention to promote scientific monitoring of aquatic ecosystems by providing reputed know-how in this field and the mission of IRD relating to skills transfer in developing countries to enhance long-term scientific excellence through training and research.
As part of the agreement, special attention will be given to scientific and technical training and scientific collaboration between the two parties at the national and regional level.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update December 3, 2019)