Feasibility study on wind power plant to begin in southern Laos

VIENTIANE (Xinhua): A feasibility study will be launched on a planned wind farm and a 500 kV substation for electricity transmission in the southern Lao province of Savannakhet, the Lao national TV reported on Friday.

The agreements were signed on Monday by Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Sthabandith Insisiengmay, Managing Director of NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment Khamsavath Bounvilay, and representative of UPC Vietnam (Singapore) Logan Knox.

The feasibility study will take place in Vilabouly, Atsaphon and Phin districts of Savannakhet province, some 400 km south of the Lao capital Vientiane.

A 500 kV substation is planned to enable the transmission of energy generated through wind power to neighboring countries.

Building on its experience in the development of wind energy projects and ability to source funding for the project from international financial institutions, UPC Renewable Energy Company is expected to implement the project in accordance with the highest environmental requirements of Laos, along with the performance standards required by the Asian Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation.

The feasibility study is a cooperation between UPC Renewable Energy and Lao company NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment.

If successful, Savannakhet province will be home to one of the largest wind farms and become a battery for the region through the use of the 500 kV substation and transmission system to connect to the ASEAN electricity grid. - Xinhua