Officials display signed agreements on a study of cross-border energy links between Laos and Cambodia.

Laos, Cambodia partner in feasibility study on power grid links

The energy sectors of Laos and Cambodia are seeking to strengthen regional energy links through the signing of a joint study framework for a feasibility study on cross-border power grid interconnection between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on Monday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as part of efforts to advance the ASEAN Power Grid initiative under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation for 2026-2030.
The feasibility study aims to support development of a more integrated ASEAN electricity market by enhancing clean energy sharing and improving the management of energy resources between Laos and Cambodia.
The project is also expected to help Électricité du Laos define its cross-border electricity integration strategy in line with international technical standards and legal frameworks.
The feasibility study will be financed by the World Bank.
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Cambodia’s Undersecretary of State Mr Victor Jona and Laos’ Senior Official on Energy for ASEAN and Director General of the Department of Policy, Development Planning and Evaluation under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mrs Santisouk Phimphachanh.
The joint study framework was signed by Deputy Managing Director of Électricité du Laos, Dr Viengxay Sakdala, Managing Director of Électricité du Cambodge, Dr Praing Chulasa, and Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy, Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood.
Officials said the study would support regional electricity integration and further strengthen energy cooperation between Laos and Cambodia as part of broader ASEAN connectivity efforts.
According to the latest update released this month by the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Cambodia imported US$358 million worth of electricity in 2024, making it the world’s 37th largest electricity importer out of 114 countries. Electricity was also Cambodia’s 15th most imported product out of 1,176 product categories.
In 2024, Cambodia imported electricity mainly from Laos (US$231 million), Vietnam (US$64.2 million) and Thailand (US$63.6 million). The fastest-growing sources of electricity imports between 2023 and 2024 were Laos, which increased by US$49.2 million, and Thailand, which rose by US$42.1 million.
During the same year, electricity was Laos’ top export product out of 685 product categories. In 2024, the main destinations for Laos’ electricity exports were Thailand, Cambodia and China. In addition, Laos also imports electricity, mainly from Thailand and China, the Observatory of Economic Complexity has said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 27, 2026)