Nam Ou cascade hydropower system marks 10 billion kWh of power generation 

Nam Ou River cascade hydropower stations on Wednesday marked an annual cumulative power generation of 10 billion kWh, which is a huge boost to power security in Laos.
PowerChina, the investor and developer of the seven hydropower stations (plants) on the Nam Ou River, held a grand event at the centralised cascade hydropower management and operations centre in Luang Prabang province to mark the achievement. All of the seven stations are now operational.

Ms Siliphone Souphanthong.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager of PowerChina, Mr Song Hui Hong, said the achievement marked the 61st anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic ties. It has also bolstered hydroelectricity development cooperation between Laos and China.
PowerChina’s subordinate company, Nam Ou River Basin Power Co., Ltd., spent more than 10 years to fruitfully develop the Nam Ou River cascade hydropower stations.
The Nam Ou River hydropower project (HPP) plays an important role in the safe and stable operation of the power grid in central and northern Laos, which has supported socio-economic development in local areas and the country as a whole, the manager said.
“We have adhered to the concept of business operation for social development and local livelihoods,” he told the guests.
The project has shared its best practices and experiences in management, operations, water and environment management and provided training for relevant local sectors.    
PowerChina, which is also the investor and developer of the Nam Ngum 5 hydropower project, has built eight hydropower plants in Laos.
Wednesday’s event also inaugurated the Chinese Hydroelectricity Generation Enterprises Association in Laos, which comprises 13 Chinese businesses including Hongsa Power Co., Ltd. – the operator of the Hongsa coal-fired power plant.
Chinese companies have built 18 hydroelectricity plants in Laos with combined installed capacity of 2,348MW. This includes 92MW at plants that are currently under construction or being planned.
The power generated by Chinese projects accounts for 22.07 percent of Laos’ total installed capacity and 49.7 percent of the Lao power grid’s total installed capacity.
Mr Song Hui Hong said the newly inaugurated association has opened a new chapter, raising Laos-China energy cooperation to new heights.
Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang province, Ms Siliphone Souphanthong, praised PowerChina for realising the cascade hydropower project, especially the Nam Ou 1, 2 and 3 plants in her province.
“I believe that all these have contributed to socio-economic development and created jobs for local people,” she said.
The deputy governor said she highly valued the project’s social responsibilities, which have funded the construction of roads in residential areas and schools, as well as providing various forms of essential assistance to local areas. 
Director General of the Energy Business Department, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Somphith Keovichith, said the Nam Ou cascade hydropower project was an important driver of Laos’ energy development plan.
Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Luang Prabang province, Li Zhigong, congratulated Nam Ou River Basin Power Co., Ltd. on its great achievement, which has contributed to Laos’ energy development.
He thanked Lao authorities and people for supporting Chinese businesses in Laos.
The diplomat said Chinese companies had enhanced Laos’ efforts to become the “battery” of Southeast Asian countries.
In the process of the rollout of China’s Belt and Road Initiative – the global infrastructure network in which Laos has actively participated to transform its landlocked status into a land link country – Chinese companies have made a great contribution.
In this regard, PowerChina said it is practising the concept of “sustainable green development” to bring prosperity to local communities and contribute to the development of societal well-being, which is enshrined in the Laos-China partnership that promotes the building of a community with a shared future.

The centralised Nam Ou River cascade hydropower plant operations room.	Mr Song Hui Hong (right) leads Ms Siliphone Souphanthong (second right) and other officials on a visit to the centralised Nam Ou River cascade hydropower operations room.	Mr Li Zhigong.
Ms Siliphone Souphanthong and Mr Li Zhigong unveil the logo of the Chinese Electricity Generation Enterprises Association in Laos.   --Photo Kaikeo Saiyasane

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update July 15, 2022)