The under-construction solar farm in Kaysone Phomvihane city.

PM urges community-focused solar power development

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has instructed developers to ensure a 100MW solar power project in Savannakhet province benefits communities while protecting farmland and supporting Lao-made products.
The Prime Minister visited the under-construction solar farm in Kaysone Phomvihane city on July 21 to review progress and encourage those involved in the development. He was joined by provincial leaders, representatives of the project developer, and officials from relevant sectors, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The solar farm is being built across 3 villages, about 13 kilometres from the centre of Kaysone Phomvihane city. Covering about 158 hectares, it is one of the government’s 12 solar projects planned to connect to the 115kV transmission network operated by Electricité du Laos.
The project also includes a 7-kilometre, 115 kV transmission line linking the site to the Pakbo substation. The electricity generated will supply households and businesses in the area while also feeding into the Electricité du Laos grid.
During his visit, the Prime Minister instructed government agencies and the developer to protect agricultural land used by villagers, saying food production must not be affected.
He also called for greater use of solar panels manufactured in Laos to boost demand for domestic products and support the country’s growing renewable energy industry.
The Prime Minister encouraged the developer to make the best use of the land by combining electricity generation with agricultural activities, such as growing grass for livestock, where appropriate.
He also advised provincial authorities and the company to work together to improve surrounding communities by creating jobs, developing workers’ skills, and improving infrastructure, so that local residents share in the project’s long-term benefits.
The visit reflects the government’s broader efforts to ensure renewable energy projects contribute not only to electricity generation but also to economic development and community well-being.
The government has accelerated investment in solar energy as it seeks to diversify its renewable energy mix alongside hydropower.
In April this year, the China General Nuclear Power Group began commercial operations at a 1,000MW solar farm in Oudomxay province, the largest single-site solar facility in Southeast Asia.
The project is expected to generate 1.65 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.3 million tonnes annually.
The government is also advancing other solar projects across the country. Electricité du Laos signed an agreement with South Korea’s CTE Consortium earlier this year to study the feasibility of a 100MW solar farm in Oudomxay province, while work is underway on a 9.5MW solar farm in Salavan province to boost electricity supply and expand clean energy production.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 24, 2026)