Nam Theun 2 Marks 15 Years of Power Generation as Laos Celebrates 50th National Day

VIENTIANE, Laos -- As Laos celebrates a series of historic occasions this year—the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane—Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited is commemorating its own significant milestone: 15 years of commercial operations.
Since its commissioning in April 2010, Nam Theun 2 has played a pivotal role in the nation’s development. The hydroelectric project, located in Khamouane province, is operated through a joint venture between Electricité de France (EDF), Electricity Generating Company of Thailand (EGCO), and the Lao Holding State Enterprise (LHSE), representing the Government of Laos. The 1,080-megawatt facility supplies an average of 6,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, with 5 percent used domestically and the remaining 95 percent exported to Thailand.
Over the past 15 years, Nam Theun 2 has fulfilled a range of economic, social, and environmental commitments as outlined in agreements with the Lao government. The company reports significant contributions to raising living standards for villagers in the project’s vicinity, as well as notable progress in safeguarding biodiversity. A 4,000-square-kilometer protected area has been established within the project’s catchment to reinforce environmental stewardship.
“Nam Theun 2 is proud of the milestones and achievements it has delivered for the country over the past 15 years,” said CEO Marc-Antoine Rupp. “We take the responsibility of operational excellence for our business and the empowerment of community with great pride.”
The success of the project, company officials say, serves as a model for sustainable hydropower development in Laos. While Nam Theun 2 has met many of its obligations under the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank safeguards since 2018, it continues to focus on improving livelihoods in four key areas: education, healthcare, access to water, and the development of infrastructure.
To date, Nam Theun 2 has contributed more than US$600 million to Laos through taxes, royalties, and dividends, with projections to reach US$2 billion before the concession agreement concludes in 2035. Revenue generated supports government goals for poverty reduction and sustainable community development throughout the country.
“Our commitment to being a close partner of the government of Laos remains a priority,” Rupp added. “We will continue to support the country in its poverty reduction initiatives, and in ensuring sustainable development that benefits the people of Laos.”

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update December 1, 2025)