The farm installed 2.23 million solar panels operating in Laos

The farm connected to the power grid on April 7, marking an important milestone in the energy transition process as well as cooperation in developing clean electricity in the region. The project is considered a notable step towards the goal of becoming “the battery of Southeast Asia” set by Laos.

Theo CGTNthis is Laos’ first large-scale mountain solar power farm, and the largest power farm of its kind in Southeast Asia. The facility has an installed capacity of 1 GW in the first phase. When fully operational, the facility is expected to produce about 1.65 billion kWh of electricity per year, helping to save about 500,000 tons of coal and reduce 1.3 million tons of CO2 emissions per year.

According to Wang Yang, head of production and operations at CGN Energy International’s Laos unit, the farm installs 2.23 million solar panels. Taking advantage of the 500 kV link line between China and Laos, the new project allows cross-border electricity connections, providing clean, stable electricity to Laos, while adding energy to the region.

The solar farm begins construction in 2024, creating nearly 3,000 jobs for local people during peak construction. In addition, the project also contributes to local infrastructure through repairing and reinforcing 5 bridges, improving the road network, helping to develop logistics and daily transportation for people.

The project also promotes industrial cooperation by attracting more than 40 Chinese enterprises in the supply chain of new energy production and development, and more than 30 Lao enterprises in the fields of construction, machinery and raw material supply. In the coming time, CGN plans to accelerate clean energy projects in 5 northern provinces of Laos, and expand to the central and southern regions, thereby promoting energy cooperation between the two countries.