Energy
Energy policy and administration
Don Sahong dam critical for development of southern Laos
The government regards the Don Sahong hydropower project as the key driver for socio-economic development and poverty reduction in southern Laos. Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Mr Viraphonh Viravong told Vientiane Times on 2 November that the power generated by the US$500-million dam will be used ...
Mekong dams 'a grave threat to river'
Experts are warning that the Lower Mekong Basin may soon face depleting fish stocks, further erosion of the coastline and rising salinity that will make rice fields uncultivable. The facts are stronger than ever,” said Marc Goichot, an expert on sustainable hydropower and river basin management, ...
Korea signs US$80.8 million loan for hydropower project with Laos
The Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund from the Republic of Korea has signed a loan agreement for US$80.8 million (about 658 billion kip) with the Lao government. The funds will be used for the development of the Xepian-Xenamnoy hydropower plant in Champassak province. The loan agreement was ...
Lightning triggers another blackout in Yangon
Electrical engineers blamed lightning for the nearly citywide blackouts in Yangon on 17 September, and dismissed social media rumours suggesting election-related manipulation. One of the main power lines connecting Yangon with Meiktila township in Mandalay was damaged by a monsoon storm rolling through southern Myanmar, according ...
World Bank offers funds for Myanmar's national power plan
The World Bank approved an interest-free loan to Myanmar of US$400 million on 16 September to aid the country’s ambitious National Electrification Plan and its goal of ensuring nationwide access to electricity by 2030. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Bank said the loan would assist expansion ...
Laos officially approves controversial dam project
Laos’ parliament has approved the concession agreement for a controversial dam project, with construction expected to begin before the end of 2015, media sources reported earlier this week. Keep reading ...
Government calls for lower fuel prices
The government on 3 September asked fuel retailers to lower petroleum prices, so as to reflect the drop in global prices in the last few months. At a meeting chaired by Chhoun Dara, a secretary of state at the Commerce Ministry, oil companies were given a week ...
MoU for Salween hydropower project to be signed between Thailand, Myanmar, China
Thailand, China and Myanmar are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of the 7,000-megawatt Mong Ton hydropower-plant project on the upper Salween River this year, after Myanmar’s government cancelled its Tasang hydropower project. Speaking yesterday on behalf of the three countries, ...
