What is Laos' largest power plant?

Its goal was to develop a 1,878 MW lignite mine-mouth power plant. What resulted was Laos’s highest-capacity power generator, providing energy for Laos and Thailand. Before the Hongsa Coal Power plant started operation in 2015, Laos’ energy production was coal-free.

How many coal projects are there in Laos?

But one thing is clear: numbers are climbing. The Global Energy Monitor has identified at least six coal projects that have been announced in addition to the currently operational Hongsa plant, which will add 6700 MW of coal to Lao's energy mix. Here are some examples of details of some of these plants from available news sources:

Why does Laos need a hydro power plant?

Hydropower has historically dominated energy production in Laos, growing 10% each year for the last two decades and helping pull the country out of extreme poverty, making the coal investment more puzzling.

Can Laos regain control of its energy operations?

Overwhelmed by a sovereign debt of $12.6 billion, or around 65 percent of gross domestic product, Laos is not in a strong position to regain control over its energy operations. The Chinese, who have the finances, technological aptitude and manpower to run it, will continue to influence what kind of energy gets financed in the country.

How much electricity does Laos export?

The export of Laos’ electricity generation has grown 10% annually for the past 15 years. During those years, the country has exported over three-quarters of its electricity. Laos aims to add another half of what they have today with 44 hydropower projects planned or under construction.

How many sources of energy does Laos have?

The Minister stated at the National Assembly that as of 2020, Laos already had 82 sources of energy with a combined installed capacity of more than 10,000 MW. One-fifth of those plants are coal-fired. According to Our World in Data, in 2020 coal power comprises close to half of Lao’s electricity generation.