The Lao state-owned power utility Electricité du Laos (EDL) has inaugurated a 500 kV power transmission line in southern Laos linking a substation in the Khong district, Champasak province, to the Sanamxay and Phouvong districts in the Attapeu province, on the border with Cambodia.
The more than 200 km power transmission line is part of a national plan, which aims to develop Laos’ ability to export electricity to neighbouring countries, and to Cambodia in particular, and to turn the country into a battery for Southeast Asia. To this end, Laos has recently expanded its installed capacity, especially in hydropower. Between 2018 and 2021, Laos commissioned nearly 3 GW of hydro capacity to reach 8 GW (80% of its total capacity). Currently, the country has more than 3 GW of hydro capacity under construction, notably a 1.5 GW power plant in Luang Prabang, as well as more than 12 GW under development.