Laos power paradox: Booming exports to Thailand and Vietnam, but blackouts at home persist
VIENTIANE, Sept 14 — Isolated, under-developed Laos brands itself the “Battery of South-east Asia”, po...
Laos, known as the "Battery of Southeast Asia," generates a substantial amount of electricity through its numerous hydroelectric plants. However, despite thriving exports to neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, frequent power outages persist within the country. Laos, designated as a least developed nation by the United Nations, relies heavily on electricity exports for revenue.
In 2023, exports accounted for two-thirds of the total generated electricity, with the amount more than tripling over the past decade. The state-owned utility, Electricite du Laos (EDL), exports around 80% of the power generated, often through dedicated transmission lines to foreign businesses. This leaves Laos with an aging and strained distribution grid, resulting in frequent blackouts, particularly after dark.
Families often venture outside to avoid the heat and use cell phones for lighting. Hospitals and clinics also face regular power disruptions, with some relying on backup generators to keep medical equipment operational. Laos's electricity sector, dominated by hydropower, faces challenges during the dry season, sometimes leading to the import of electricity at significant costs.
While Laos aims to diversify its energy sources, politics and regional competition with China also influence its energy strategies.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
