Lao and international experts and government officials pose for a group photo during a conference in Vientiane on July 18.

Lao Dam Association highlights progress on hydropower development

Lao and international experts have discussed critical issues around dam safety, hydropower plant benchmarking, sedimentation management, the use of various construction technologies, and the social and environmental dimensions of hydropower development in Laos.
The discussions took place at the 8th Technical Conference of the Lao Dam Association in Vientiane on July 18, themed ‘Successful Hydropower Generation’, with more than 100 participants attending.
The conference was attended by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Malaythong Kommasith, and received principal support from the Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Helvetas Laos, under the framework of the Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance (DSTIA) Project.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Lao Dam Association, Assoc. Prof. Dr Khampaseuth Thepvongsa, highlighted the importance of the conference in advancing technical knowledge and operational standards across the hydropower sector.
He noted that the event provided a valuable platform for sharing expertise and best practices, contributing to improved dam operation and management in line with international standards, and promoting long-term sustainability in dam safety.
Representatives from key government ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Ministry of Agriculture and Environment also attended the conference.
Delegates from the National University of Laos, Électricité du Laos (EDL), EDL-Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen), and hydropower dam operators also took part in the discussions.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of technical sessions and presentations delivered by hydropower safety experts and consulting firms.
Topics covered included concrete and riprap pathology and solutions, with a case study from the Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited, and public awareness of hydro-safety, also featuring a case study from the Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited.
There was also an overview of dam safety management in Laos from a government perspective on hydropower plant benchmarking, focusing on performance monitoring and target-setting and sedimentation assessment of the Namsong Reservoir in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province.
Also on the programme was a presentation on construction materials and methods used in dams, including grouting, patching, waterproofing using the 3P system, rebar anchoring, epoxy mortar adhesives, and the optimal use of downstream water, with a case study from the Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited on the principles of dam safety zones in relation to mining activities.
The conference concluded with an open forum that allowed participants to exchange views and ideas on strengthening institutional capacity, fostering technical innovation, and promoting cross-sectoral cooperation.
Discussions also centred on enhancing national dam safety frameworks and building resilience within the hydropower industry.
Overall, the conference was a valuable opportunity to reinforce collaboration, share knowledge, and drive forward efforts to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible hydropower generation in Laos.

by Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 23, 2025)