First solar project powers up next month
First solar project powers up next month
The first of many solar power projects in Laos is expected to start producing 10 Megawatts (MW) of solar power to distribute to Vientiane consumers for next month, project coordinator of EDL-GEN Solar Power, Mr Somphet Arounsavath said on Wednesday during a visit to the project of Managing Director of EDL-Generation Public Company, Ms Rattana Prathoumvan.
Mr Somphet explained the pilot project will produce at 10 MW before generating 32MW-50 MW from 2017 to 2018 and up to 100 MW in 2020.
The first pilot project is constructed in Chaengsavang village, Naxaithong district while Mr Somphet expects to expand to three solar power projects in Vientiane.
According to Ms Rattana, the project's investment cost total is more than US$3.4 million, utilising modern technology such as solar panels by TALESUN with an expected life of some 25 years.
The project, approved by Ministry of Energy and Mines, sees collaboration between EDL-Generation Public Company with some 60 percent of shares and partner Pure Power Development Company Limited with 40 percent.
The project aims to support efforts to ensure sustainable power supply for consumption in the capital where economic development has continued to advance year by year.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported recently that the utilization of renewable energy at manufacturing factories and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should be promoted to reach some 30 percent of total usage energy nationwide by 2025.
Last year, the United States agreed to provide a large grant for a 20-megawatt solar power plant feasibility study in the Lao PDR to power up to 30,000 households.
The project supports both Lao PDR's energy sector strategy and clean energy development in Southeast Asia.
