The power of waterfalls has been utilized to turn millwheels throughout Norway from as far back as the early Middle Ages. Today, nearly all power production in Norway comes from hydropower. On a global basis 1/6 of the power produced comes from hydropower.
Laos’ nature and climate present great opportunities to develop hydropower plants to meet domestic electrification needs and the increased demand for electric power in the region of South-East Asia. Less than 2 % of the hydropower potential has been developed in Laos over the past 30 years. During the last few years, however, hydropower has played a central role in the rapid economic growth the country recently has experienced. Today, more than 70 hydropower projects are under development, and the electricity sector makes up an important part of the export industry in Laos.
Norway is investing in hydropower in Laos, and sees this as an imperative means for producing cheap, clean and renewable energy for generations. Norway has amongst others, funded the Nam Sim Hydropower Plant in Houaphan. The Norwegian state-owned company Statkraft has more than a 100 years experience with hydropower, and is the largest producer of electricity from hydropower in Europe. Through their company Nordic Hydropower, they have invested in Theun-Hinboun Power Company (THPC) in Bolikhanxay in Laos. This initiative highlights the important relationship between Norway and Laos.
Renewable energy, like hydropower, is an efficient way of approaching the increasing needs of future generations and one way of contributing to meeting the challenges of global warming.
Read more on the homepages of Statkraft and Government of Lao PDR's Department of Energy Promotion and Development