CNR to support sustainable hydro development
CNR to support sustainable hydro development
The Lao Government is dedicated to pursuing sustainable development in the hydropower sector, and to this end it has reached agreement with a leading French company to provide technical assistance in the field.
Director General of the Department of Energy Policy and Planning, Dr Daovong Phonekeo and Chairwoman and CEO of Compagnie Nationale du Rhone (CNR) Ms Elisabeth Ayrault signed off on a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry of Energy and Mines on Tuesday.
“This cooperation with CNR comes at the right time as the government of Laos has a vision and policy to pursue economic growth by promoting sustainable hydropower for the benefit of the people,” said Dr Daovong. “Sustainable hydropower development is a means to eradicating poverty, which remains the greatest challenge to the world today.”
Ms Ayrault, who traveled from France for the ceremony, said CNR “brings 20 years of experience in Laos and I hope we will be in Laos for 20 years afterwards.” She said hydropower was absolutely the best way to bri ng energy to Laos in a sustainable way.
The MOU with CNR calls for the French energy and engineering company to provide assistance in evaluating and monitoring run-of-river hydropower projects with regard to hydrology, sediment transport, navigation and dam safety as well as optimisation of hydropower potential.
In addition CNR will provide management expertise supporting the operation of hydropower plants, river engineering, hydraulic systems and navigation. The company will also be responsible for technology transfer and transfer of experience in river management, including training, and capacity building for government managers and staff.
Compagnie Nationale du Rhone is based in Lyon, France. CNR has managed and operated hydroelectric plants and river navigation on the Rhône River since 1934. The second largest electricity-generating company in France, CNR maintains an installed capacity of 3200 MW at 19 hydropower plants on the Rhône.
It also manages navigation and irrigation of the Rhône Valley. In addition, CNR works globally on hydropower development and river engineering in more than 20 countries around the world.
For many years it has provided expertise in hydraulics to the Mekong River Commission and its member countries, including the Lao PDR. In Laos, CNR has engaged in project design and feasibility studies on the Mekong River, and it has provided technical assistance on hydraulics, sedimentation and navigation for the Xayaburi Hydropower Project.
In keeping with its own corporate values and guidance, CNR will assist the government in meeting international standards for sustainability, with regard to the safety and security of people and property, protection of the environment and natural resourc es, as well as the economic viability and energy efficiency of hydropower plants.
The initial period is three years, which can be renewed for additional three-year periods. The work will be done both at CNR's headquarters in France as well as in Laos. Field campaigns will include bathymetric surveying and marking, hydrometeorological forecasting, studies on mathematical and physical models, monitoring environmental characteristics, and maintaining structures.
The total funding amount will be determined by the scope of the project and capacity building requirements. Both the Lao government and CNR are searching for contributions to fund the work.
