On December 18 (local time), construction began on Laos' first large-scale solar power project—the Phase I 1 GW Solar Power Project of the CGN Laos Northern Clean Energy Interconnection Base.
On December 18 (local time), construction began on Laos' first large-scale solar power project—the Phase I 1 GW Solar Power Project of the CGN Laos Northern Clean Energy Interconnection Base. Spearheaded by China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), the initiative brings together over 70 Chinese and Lao companies to establish a flagship project for energy collaboration in the Lancang-Mekong region.
The interconnection base, located across Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, and Phongsaly provinces in northern Laos, is a cornerstone of the China-Laos Power Interconnection Project. It is designed as a comprehensive renewable energy hub, integrating solar, wind, and biomass power. Using an innovative interconnection model, the project aims to transform Laos' abundant natural resources into economic advantages, strengthen bilateral energy cooperation, and foster resource sharing, market complementarity, and industrial synergy between the two countries.
Phase I focuses on solar power, with an installed capacity of 1 GW, spanning Muang Xay and Namo districts in Oudomxay Province. Once operational, it is expected to generate approximately 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power 10 million households. The project is set to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including saving 510,000 tons of standard coal annually and reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (270 tons), nitrogen oxides (302 tons), and carbon dioxide (1.4 million tons). Clean electricity generated by the project will be transmitted to China's Yunnan Province through the China-Laos 500 kV interconnection, supporting Yunnan's energy transition and ensuring a stable power supply.
At a critical juncture in its energy transition, Laos is leveraging this project to accelerate its shift to renewable energy and modernize its industrial base. The CGN Laos Northern Clean Energy Interconnection Base showcases China's expertise in renewable energy technology, manufacturing, and project execution. Phase I is expected to involve more than 40 Chinese companies specializing in renewable energy manufacturing, construction, and engineering, alongside 30 Lao firms supplying construction services, machinery, and raw materials. The project will create thousands of jobs during its construction phase, helping Laos build a sustainable renewable energy supply chain and driving local economic and social development.