Investors maintain confidence in Lao energy sector
Investors maintain confidence in Lao energy sector
Laos continues to attract foreign investment in the hydropower sector.
Hydrotek Public Company Limited, a Thailand-based water treatment firm, announced this week it was considering investing in the construction of dams in Laos after learning about the potential for energy production here amid growing electricity consumption.
The company's Chief Executive, Slib Soongswang, said they would partner with Universal Adsorbents & Chemicals, an alternative energy and water management company, to explore possibilities in Laos.
“After being involved in the water business for 30 years, we think we should do more to provide utilities services such as electricity or alternative energy. If we can do that, it will create more value for Hydrotek,” he said as quoted in The Bangkok Post.
The companies are interested in developing three small hydropower plants in Luang Prabang province. They will spend at least six months next year analysing the feasibility of these projects. Electricity generated from the plants would be supplied to the Lao government, Mr Slib said .
Hydrotek Public Company Limited is recognised as a leader in environmental and waste management. The company provides a number of services such as the construction of water treatment plants, desalination plants, wastewater recycling plants, solid waste treatment plants, and the conversion of waste to energy.
The company is now eyeing the hydropower sector in Laos – a strong indication that the country's energy sector continues to be to attractive to foreign investors.
According to information from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the electricity sector is the most popular with overseas investors. From 2000 to 2010, the value of investment in this sector reached about US$4 billion.
The increasing value of investment in this field is a strong reflection of foreign business sentiment concerning Laos' investment policy and potential.
vientiane times
