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VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Laos’ power development strategy targets increasing variable renewable energy (mainly solar and wind) to 11 per cent by 2030, a goal that officials say is vital for boosting energy resilience, sustainability, and supporting the country’s long-term economic transformation.
This message was underscored at the Lao PDR Carbon Markets and Clean Energy Conference, held in Vientiane on Thursday as part of a two-day event on September 24-25.
The conference brought together representatives from government, development partners, private sector, civil society and regional stakeholders to advance dialogue on carbon markets and clean energy transition.
The objective was to bring together climate, carbon market and energy sector leaders and stakeholders, to learn, discuss and accelerate climate action.
Opening the session, Director General of the Department of Policy, Planning and Evaluation at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Santisouk Phimphachanh, spoke about the critical role of clean energy in Laos’ development path.
Clean energy generation through solar and wind, combined with strengthened transmission and new technologies, will not only power our industries and households, but also attract investment, create jobs, and enhance energy security,” she said.
While Laos has long been recognised for its abundant hydropower resources—making it one of the countries with the cleanest electricity grids globally—officials acknowledge the need for energy diversification in the face of growing domestic demand, regional integration, and climate pressures.
Santisouk noted that the 11 per cent variable renewable energy target is not only about mitigation but also about building an inclusive and climate-resilient energy system.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Benita Sommerville, highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries, particularly under the Comprehensive Partnership signed by both governments in 2024.
“We are pleased to support Laos’ energy transition,” she said. “Helping to unlock the value of Laos’ natural resources and accelerate its renewable energy potential through programs such as the Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership.”
Australia’s South-East Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 also identifies green energy transition as an investment priority in Laos.
Regional Director of EnergyLab Asia, Natharoun Ngo Son, emphasised the need for adaptable, locally informed solutions to support the government’s renewable energy ambitions.
EnergyLab has worked closely with governments and partners across the region to help translate policy into practical, scalable projects.
In Laos, recent milestones such as the 600MW Monsoon Wind Farm and the nearly complete 1GW Northern Clean Energy Project underscore the country’s momentum in scaling renewable energy.
Natharoun stressed that clean energy also holds potential beyond generation—as a catalyst for economic transformation.
“New regional supply chains are being built. If Laos prepares strategically, it can position itself as a clean energy hub and attract supply chain investment that brings both economic and social benefits.”
The agenda included discussions on regional energy transition strategies, financing models, and ways to ensure that Laos’ clean energy shift remains inclusive, resilient, and investment ready.
The Carbon Markets and Clean Energy Conference was co-organised by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental, and the Australian Government through EnergyLab Asia, Partnerships for Infrastructure, and Global Green Growth Institute. - Vientiane Times/ANN
