The first phase of the 1-million kilowatt photovoltaic project at China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) clean energy base in northern Laos officially commenced on Wednesday, local time. Photo: Courtesy of CGN

The first phase of the 1-million kilowatt photovoltaic project at China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) clean energy base in northern Laos officially commenced on Wednesday, the Global Times learned from CGN on Thursday. 

The project is the first large-scale solar photovoltaic project in Laos. CGN will collaborate with more than 70 Chinese and Laotian enterprises to establish a benchmark project for electricity cooperation under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework.

Through cross-border electricity transmission, the project aims at promoting power interconnection between China and Laos. It will help Laos transform its natural advantages into economic benefits, expand the scale of power cooperation between the two countries, and achieve resource sharing, market complementarity, and industrial collaboration.

Once completed and put into operation, the first phase of the project is expected to generate an average electricity output of 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours per year. This amount of electricity can meet the annual energy needs of approximately 10 million households while saving 510,000 tons of standard coal each year. 

And, the clean electricity produced from solar panels will be transmitted to neighboring Yunnan Province in Southwest China, supporting Yunnan's development.

The project leverages China's renewable energy expertise to support Laos in its energy transition and industrial upgrading. The first phase of the project is expected to involve over 40 Chinese companies in manufacturing, construction, and engineering, along with more than 30 local firms in Laos.

This collaboration project is expected to create thousands of local jobs, and contribute to Laos' green energy transformation, while boosting local economic and social development.

In partnership with Chinese and Lao universities, CGN has implemented joint training programs to develop a workforce skilled in  renewable energy technologies for Laos. By conducting training in phases, CGN has successfully trained 50 Lao engineers who are now actively contributing to the clean energy industry in Laos.


Global Times