Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion, Mr Khammanh Sopraseuth, co-chairs a meeting on May 9.

Laos steps up energy sector climate action with support from Australia, GGGI

The Ministry of Energy and Mines, in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and with support from the Australian Embassy in Laos, on May 9 launched a new initiative to bolster the energy sector’s contribution to Laos’ climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
At an inception workshop, stakeholders gathered to begin preparations to update the energy sector’s input to Laos’ third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for the period 2021–2025.
The updated Nationally Determined Contribution will be consolidated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), to be held in Brazil in November 2025.
The initiative will assist thee two ministries in reviewing progress made under the previous NDC 2.0 and aligning future targets with broader national strategies, including the Green Growth Strategy, the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, and the Energy Strategy for 2025–2030.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion, Mr Khammanh Sopraseuth, said Laos faces significant challenges, including increased energy demand during the dry season, reliance on imported fossil fuels, and the need to ensure energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
He stressed the government’s commitment to diversifying renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and decarbonising energy use.
GGGI Country Representative to Laos Ms Dagmar Zwebe highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in achieving climate objectives.
“GGGI is proud to support the Lao government, particularly the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in strengthening the energy sector’s contribution to NDC 3.0.”
“With the energy sector playing a pivotal role in emissions reduction, participating in carbon markets, and driving socio-economic development, this project will support Laos in aligning its climate ambitions with national development goals,” Ms Zwebe said.
The initiative will deliver three key outputs including a comprehensive synthesis report identifying gaps and lessons learned from previous Nationally Determined Contributions, an updated Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for the energy sector, with projections to 2035, and the updated energy sector component of NDC 3.0.
The workshop brought together 48 participants, including 23 women, representing a wide range of stakeholders from government ministries, mass organisations, non-governmental organisations, academia, and development partners.
Participants reviewed updated Nationally Determined Contribution guidelines, explored proposed methodologies, and provided feedback to help shape the sectoral roadmap.
This inclusive approach ensures the updated Nationally Determined Contribution will reflect diverse insights and expertise.
In the coming months, GGGI and its partners will undertake in-depth research, technical assessments, and stakeholder consultations. The finalised energy sector contribution to NDC 3.0 is expected by September, to be integrated into Laos’ national submission by October this year.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 15, 2025)