VIENTIANE: Construction of the US$5 billion Luang Prabang Mekong Hydropower Project about 25km north of the city is now 72 per cent complete, according to Luang Prabang Television, as ministers from Laos and Thailand visited the site to review progress and discuss the role of the project in supporting the two countries’ clean energy goals.
Ekaniti Promphan led delegations to inspect the progress of construction in Chomphet and Pak Ou districts on July 18, accompanied by the Head of the Luang Prabang Provincial Department of Industry and Commerce, Dr Soulixay Hongsakhone, and other officials from both countries.
According to project management, construction is progressing on schedule and electricity generation is expected to begin in 2030. The developers have incorporated lessons learned from the constructionn of the Xayaburi Hydropower Project and have taken environmental and navigation requirements into account.
Project developers said extensive studies were carried out on fish species and aquatic ecosystems to support conservation efforts, while engineering and design work has been tailored to local geographical conditions to ensure the dam does not affect the Luang Prabang World Heritage site.
The project has also been designed to minimise environmental and social impacts by maintaining reservoir water levels at no more than 310 metres above sea level, equivalent to the highest water levels historically recorded in the rainy season.
A lock system will enable 500-tonne cargo vessels and passenger boats to pass through the dam in approximately 40 minutes. The dam has also been engineered to withstand earthquake-related vibrations in line with international safety standards.
Construction progress is particularly evident on the main dam structure, where work has advanced to the point that river traffic can continue to pass through the area normally. Foundation construction is currently underway, after which the river flow will be diverted to enable work on the remainder of the dam.
The two ministers described the project as a model of sustainable and green energy development that would boost energy supplies in Laos and Thailand while furthering the transition to cleaner energy sources in line with the policies of both governments.
They stressed the importance of carefully managing water levels to ensure that the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang remains unaffected and called for continued efforts to safeguard the environment throughout both the construction and operational phases of the project.
The ministers toured the construction site and visited a handicraft centre established through cooperation between project developers and local communities. The initiative aims to create additional employment and income-generating opportunities for people living in surrounding areas.
The Luang Prabang Mekong Hydropower Project is one of the largest energy infrastructure developments currently under construction in Laos and is expected to contribute to regional energy security. - Vientiane Times/ANN
