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Lao Key Figures

Population:
7.53 million
GDP growth rate:
2.71 %/year
Energy independence:
100%

Data of the last year available: 2022

Total consumption/GDP:*
165 (2005=100)
CO2 Emissions:
2.71 tCO2/capita
Rate of T&D power losses:
43.0%

* at purchasing power parity

View all macro and energy indicators in the Lao energy report

Lao Energy News

- China and Laos launch a 500 kV, 1.5 GW power interconnection project
- EVN commissions the 500 kV Monsoon-Thanh My line between Vietnam and Laos
- China’s CGN signs concession agreement to develop a 1 GW solar project in Laos

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Lao Energy Research

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

A data overview is available in the global energy statistics app

Lao Total Energy Consumption

Energy consumption is relatively low at 1.1 toe/capita (vs around 2.1 toe/capita in Thailand), including around 970 kWh of electricity (2022, i.e. a 2.5x increase compared to 2010).

Graph: CONSUMPTION TRENDS BY ENERGY SOURCE (Mtoe)

Total energy consumption increased by 9% in 2022 to 8.2 Mtoe. It surged between 2014 and 2018 (+27%/year), with the start of production of the lignite power plants, and remained stable between 2019-2021 (at 7.5 Mtoe).

Interactive Chart Lao Total Energy Consumption

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

View the detailed fondamentals of the market at country level (graphs, tables, analysis) in the Lao energy report

Lao Crude Oil Production

In 2007, the Government granted an exploration permit for the Savannakhet area, which is the main zone of interest in the country. Three permits had been granted in the past, but no drillings were carried out and the companies withdrew. Drilling has not started in the Champasak and Saravan PSC.

A small refinery of 20 kb/d was commissioned in 2020. Oil demand is entirely supplied by imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2022, total oil product imports amounted to around 1.1 Mt, up from 0.6 Mt in 2010.

Interactive Chart Lao Crude Oil Production

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Additionally, for more detailed information on refineries, you can request a sample of our Asia Refineries Dataset

Lao Renewable in % Electricity Production

The Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2011) focused on small scale renewables (biofuels, biogas, solar energy, wind, small hydropower). The government aimed to increase their share to 30% of the total energy consumption by 2025 (ambition confirmed in the new PDP 2020-2030). This goal will not be attained as renewables reached 18% of total consumption in 2024 (all met by biomass).

Interactive Chart Lao Share of Renewables in Electricity Production (incl hydro)

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

Learn more about renewables in the Mini grid Africa & Asia markets for village electrification

Lao CO2 Fuel Combustion/CO2 Emissions

In its updated NDC (2021), the country pledged to unconditionally reduce its GHG emissions by 60% in 2030 compared to a BAU scenario. To achieve this goal, Lao PDR aims to reduce LULUCF emissions by 1.1 MtCO2eq/year by reducing deforestation, to instal 7.5 GW of hydropower capacity (to reach 13 GW), and to introduce 50 000 energy-efficient cooking stoves. With international support, the country could increase the forest cover to 70% of total land area (against 40% in 2023) and develop 1 GW of wind and solar and 300 MW of biomass.