The Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) said the country’s electricity imports from Thailand, China and Vietnam fell by 2 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2018.
Illustrative photo (Source: Laotian Times)
According to the Vientiane Times, Laos imported 307.9 million kWh between January and June, of which 272.6 million kWh came from Thailand, 21.28 million kWh from China and 14.02 million kWh from Vietnam.
The MEM said Laos spent about 14.08 million USD on the power.
Laos has high potential for electricity production from local hydropower, thermal power and solar power plants. However, electricity imports are needed to ensure domestic supply meets demand.
In 2019, the country plans to construct and upgrade several power lines to secure its plants’ connection to the national grid. It also plans to link its grid to the three neighbouring countries to facilitate power import-export.
In the six months, Laos’ revenue from electricity amounted to 240 million USD, up 15.44 percent year on year and realising 48.85 percent of 2018’s target.-VNA
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