A significant milestone in Laos’ energy sector was marked with the groundbreaking of the 230 kV Thavieng-Mahaxay power transmission and transformation project in Vientiane, coinciding with the second anniversary of Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T).

The project is managed by EDL-T, a joint venture between China Southern Power Grid (CSG) and Laos’ state-owned Electricite du Laos (EDL). Once completed, the initiative is expected to strengthen the electricity network connecting northern and central Laos, improve power transmission efficiency, and boost grid stability, according to reports citing Xinhua via News.Az.

The ceremony was attended by more than 100 dignitaries, including Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Chanthaboun Soukaloun, and Li Xizhen, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Laos.

During the event, Chanthaboun highlighted EDL-T’s achievements over the past two years, emphasizing its role in enhancing Laos-China energy collaboration. Li noted that the Thavieng-Mahaxay project will significantly increase the grid’s transmission capacity and strengthen its operational reliability, allowing Laos to better utilize its renewable energy resources to drive economic development. She added that EDL-T has been a key platform for bilateral energy cooperation, paving the way for a unified national power grid in the country.

In addition, EDL-T reported steady progress on the China-Laos 500 kV grid interconnection project, with 86% of the Lao section completed. The company has also trained 161 local technical staff through the China-Laos mentorship program, bringing the total number of trained professionals in Laos’ power sector to over 2,000.