EDL-T Deputy Managing Director Mr Soulivanh Thammavong informs reporters about the 500kV Laos-China grid link.  --Photo Bounfaeng

500kV Laos-China power link boosts energy security, export potential

The 500kV Laos-China grid interconnection is strengthening Laos’ electricity supply, creating new opportunities for clean energy exports, and laying the groundwork for the country to become a regional energy trading hub.
Since becoming operational in April this year, the link has increased electricity transmission capacity between Laos and China by 30 times from 50 megawatts (MW) to 1,500MW.
This significant increase was highlighted by the Deputy Managing Director of Electricité du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T), Mr Soulivanh Thammavong, during a  joint interview on Tuesday when he outlined the link’s contribution to Laos' energy sector and its wider economic potential.
The project allows surplus electricity to be exported during the rainy season, boosting foreign-currency earnings, while power can be imported from China in the dry season to help meet domestic demand.
The project has also enabled significant Lao expansion in China's electricity market, with the capacity to export up to 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually.
Electricity generated by the Nam Ou 5, 6 and 7 hydropower in Phongsaly province plants is being transmitted through the interconnection to China's Greater Bay Area, covering Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, with exports reaching approximately 600 million kilowatt-hours.
Meanwhile, electricity generated by Laos' first mountaintop solar farm is being supplied to Yunnan province, with exports expected to reach 1.1 billion kilowatt-hours this year. The facility currently delivers around 120 million kilowatt-hours per month.
It is envisaged that a further 1,000MW of electricity will be generated by solar farms that are under development, with the aim of cross-border transmission within the next 12 months.
Beyond expanding exports, the transmission link is expected to improve supply reliability across northern Laos by connecting the new 500kV system with the existing 115kV network.
Combining hydro and solar power generation with cross-border links will help balance seasonal differences in power production and demand. This is expected to benefit public facilities, households,  and businesses that depend on a stable electricity supply.
The project has also contributed to technical development in Laos' electricity sector. Although the transmission link within Laos is only 32.5 kilometres long, it crosses challenging mountainous terrain and required 38 types of machinery and equipment to build.
Mechanised construction accounted for 93 percent of work on the 500kV section and 100 percent on 19  towers of the 230kV section, providing valuable practical experience for Lao engineers and technical personnel.
Cooperation between Laos and China has also led to the formation of a technical standards committee, which has compiled two editions of 230kV transmission line standards for use in Laos' electricity industry, while five additional standards are being drafted.
Mr Soulivanh said Lao personnel were now able to independently carry out the daily operation and maintenance of the 500kV system after a period of joint operation and training.
Environmental protection and community development are also part of the project. Adjustments to the transmission route and the installation of higher towers, allowing power lines to pass above treetops, have helped preserve approximately 170.4 hectares of forest and narrow the tree-clearing corridor from 70 metres to about 22 metres. These measures reduced overall tree cutting by 83.4 percent.
There are some UXO around the project, and the staff also organised the removal of unexploded ordnance along a 70-metre-wide corridor and 500kV Laos-China grid link created several hundred job opportunities for local people. Human resource development has been another important component of the partnership. Training programmes organised by EDL-T and Electricité du Laos (EDL) include seven training sessions involving 84 participants. In addition, at least 80 courses on management, maintenance and drone technology were conducted, training participation exceeded 2,000 person-times.
A total of 171 Lao technical personnel underwent training in Chinese language, theoretical studies and practical experience. From 2010 to 2026, scholarships were given to 81 Lao nationals to study at Chinese universities, of whom 53 have graduated.
Looking ahead, Laos plans to strengthen its high-voltage transmission network and expand renewable energy development, including hydro, solar and wind power, to make better use of its considerable energy resources.
Laos has an estimated hydropower potential of 26,000MW, of which around 43 percent has been harnessed. Estimated solar power potential stands at 400,000MW, while wind power potential is estimated at 30,000MW.
Mr Soulivanh said continued cooperation was essential to enable Lao nationals to shoulder more responsibility for the management and operation of the high-voltage transmission network.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 12, 2026)