EDL-GEN eyes US$50m in revenue as Nam Ngum 1 dam turns 40

EDL-GEN eyes US$50m in revenue as Nam Ngum 1 dam turns 40

Electricite du Lao-General Public Company (EDL-GEN) expects revenue from the Nam Ngum 1 dam to top 400 billion kip (about US$50 million) this year, an increase of more than 50 percent from last year .

EDL-GEN Managing Director Mr Sisavath Thiravong made the forecast yesterday at an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the dam, held at the Thalath Meeting Hall in Vientiane province.

Mr Sisavath pointed out that during this time the installed capacity of the plant has risen from 30 MW to the present 155 MW, and could increase by a further 120-150 MW in the future.

He said he expects an installed capacity of 275-305 MW when the upstream Nam Ngum 2 dam is fully operational.

The Nam Ngum 5 dam is expected to start generating electricity next year, while construction of the Nam Ngum 3 dam will also begin, both of which will boost power generation at the Nam Ngum 1 plant.

Mr Sisavath explained that over the past 40 years, the Nam Ngum 1 dam has continually increased its power production. For example, from 1996-1999 it had average annual output of 995 GWh, which rose to 1025 GWh in 2000-2010.

He said the dam plays an important role in the nation's socio-economic development, while improving individuals' livelihoods by providing them with electricity.

Mr Sisavath said EDL-GEN is a publicly-listed company, with 25 percent of shares offered to the public.

This year EDL-GEN expects to raise about 876 billion kip from share sales.

Mr Sisavath said the dam is a good example for other hydropower plants in Laos, as it is set to receive ISO 14001 international environmental standard certification.

The certification will mean that areas in the vicinity of the dam can be developed as tourist attractions, which would help to boost local people's incomes, he said.

vientiane times