Thai company to study Xebanghieng 1 hydro plant
Thai company to study Xebanghieng 1 hydro plant
The Lao government has authorised a Thai power company to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of the Xebanghieng 1 hydropower project in Savannakhet province.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project was signed yesterday in Vientiane between Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Khamlien Pholsena, and Vice President of TPC Power Holding Public Co., Ltd., Ms Kanoktip Chanpalangsri.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Dr Sinava Souphanouvong.
The company expects to begin the study after submitting the plan to provincial authorities. The survey is predicted to take 18 months, said Ms Kanoktip.
TPC Power Holding Public Company Limited operates an electricity generation and distribution business sourcing various types of renewable energy. It also provides other related supporting services for the operations of its subsidiaries, she explained.
The company has conducted studies on many hydropower projects in Laos over the past few years before signing the MoU for the Xebanghieng 1 dam with the Lao government.
The project is located in Xonbouly district and will have an installed capacity of 30-50MW.
The company will submit the results of the feasibility study to the authorities for their consideration, Ms Kanoktip said
It will require an investment of around US$10 million and the electricity generated will be sold to Electricite du Laos (EDL).
Savannakhet provincial authorities as well as the government have attempted to promote development in untapped natural resources within the province.
The province currently has six potential hydropower projects with an installed capacity of less than 15MW in Xepon, Nong, and Vilabouly districts.
Three projects are in the process of signing MoUs on construction with the provincial administration, while the other three projects are still undergoing feasibility studies.
Savannakhet province also has seven potential hydropower projects with an installed capacity of more than 15MW in Nong and Phin districts.
Six projects are in the process of feasibility study, while one is preparing to begin construction.
