VIENTIANE: Two companies from Laos and Myanmar will conduct a feasibility study of a proposed hydropower project on the two countries’ shared Mekong River border, following the signing of a Joint Development Agreement to expand energy cooperation.
The agreement was signed in Vientiane on July 4 during a state visit to Laos by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing from July 3-5.
The signatories were Laos’ Phongsupthavy Sole Co., Ltd. and Myanmar’s Primus Sapphire Power Co., Ltd., acting under a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the electricity sector.
Under the agreement, the two companies will undertake a comprehensive feasibility study of the proposed hydropower scheme, which is expected to have an installed generation capacity of up to 2,790 megawatts. The study is scheduled for completion within 34 months, according to the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
The signing of the Joint Development Agreement was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Manothong Vongsay and Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy, Aye Kyaw.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Manothong said the venture reflected the close friendship and cooperation between Laos and Myanmar and would benefit not only communities in border areas but also to the wider Greater Mekong Subregion.
He reaffirmed the Lao government’s support for the timely completion of the feasibility study and the project’s implementation.
Aye Kyaw said the initiative was an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and would help meet growing regional electricity demand while contributing to Asean’s renewable energy and power connectivity goals.
He noted that, as the Mekong is a shared river, all project activities would be implemented in accordance with the regulations of both Laos and Myanmar.
The Myanmar government, he added, would provide the necessary support and oversight to ensure the project’s success.
Once completed, it will help meet regional electricity demand and contribute to Asean’s renewable energy targets. As the Mekong is a border river shared by both countries, the project must comply with the customs, traditions, laws and procedures of both Myanmar and Laos, Aye Kyaw said, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar.
The project is expected to strengthen energy security, promote sustainable energy development, and expand cross-border infrastructure cooperation, while contributing to long-term economic growth and regional integration. - Vientiane Times/ANN
