Lin Rui, the President of Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited.
VIENTIANE: Laos and China are stepping up cooperation in the field of energy, exemplified by the first Laos-China Power Technology Forum, which took place on Sept 18 at the Naxaithong Substation in Vientiane.
The event, hosted by Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited, brought together key government ministries, led by deputy minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Manothong Vongxay, and Laos-China Railway Company Limited, with participation from major power plants, and 20 research institutes and service providers from China.
The event organisers said “For Laos, the forum is more than a technical meeting; it represents a step towards more reliable electricity, stronger infrastructure, and better services for families and businesses.”
Laos-China energy ties have grown rapidly over the past few years. As of August 2025, bilateral electricity trade had surpassed 1.56 billion kilowatt-hours. Power supply for the Laos-China Railway has also become more stable, supporting one of the country’s most important transport links.
A major milestone will be the launch of the 500kV Laos-China Grid Interconnection Project. This will link the two countries’ electricity networks more closely, giving Laos greater energy security, while fuelling growth and improving livelihoods.
Forum participants focused on three key areas, namely technology sharing, talent co-cultivation, and people-centred benefits.
In practical terms, this means Laos will draw on the experience of the China Southern Power Grid to apply ultra-high voltage transmission and smart distribution technology.
A standardised training system for grid planning and operations will also be developed, ensuring that Lao engineers gain the skills needed to manage modern networks.
The people-centred approach aims to bring direct benefits to households and businesses by making electricity supply more reliable in Vientiane and along the Laos-China Railway, cutting power losses, strengthening emergency response, and supporting community welfare projects.
Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited reported impressive progress in upgrading the grid.
With China Southern Power Grid’s integrated “air, ground, and space” inspection system, Laos has achieved significant improvements.
In 2025, the power line trip rate fell by 33.3 per cent compared to the previous year, with no large-scale blackouts.
Substations such as Naxaithong now use artificial intelligence to detect faults, improving inspection efficiency by more than 50 per cent. Transmission lines are fully mapped with drone-based 3D modelling, while lightning detection systems now ensure 100 per cent accuracy in locating fault points.
To set new benchmarks, the company has introduced two technical standards, including Standardised Management Standards for Substation Operations, which are the first power standards to be formally applied in Laos.
Workforce training is also advancing. Under the “Craftsman Alliance”, more than half of all substation staff now follow standardised procedures.
More than 30 Electricite du Laos transmission personnel are being trained in advanced drone operations, with 30 specialists qualified to carry out demanding live-line work.
Chinese institutes showcased the latest in intelligent inspection tools, online monitoring, and satellite communications, offering new possibilities for Laos’ growing energy sector.
Participants said the forum was a vital new platform for cooperation, combining advanced technology, skilled training, and people-focused benefits.
They observed that Laos-China power ties are entering a new stage, one that will support energy security, strengthen regional connectivity, and bring long-term benefits to the people of both countries. - Vientiane Times/ANN
