Tuas Power to explore importing up to 500 MW a year of hydropower from Laos

Singapore's Tuas Power is exploring the possibility of importing up to 500 megawatts of hydropower annually from Laos over a period of 15 years, according to a memorandum of understanding signed on October 30. If the deal comes to fruition, the initial import would be 100 megawatts in the first year, rising to 300 megawatts in the second year, and 500 megawatts annually thereafter.

This long-term arrangement could see Tuas Power, a unit of the Chinese state-owned China Huaneng Group, supply clean energy to Singaporean customers, potentially aiding their decarbonisation efforts and regional energy transition. The hydropower could be paired with Renewable Energy Certificates, offering customers the option to offset fossil fuel electricity consumption.

Tuas Power's COO Michael Wong expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Laos' state operator Electricite du Laos and private developer Phongsupthavy Group to meet Singapore's growing demand for clean energy. PSTG chairman Phongsavath Senaphuan noted that hydropower is a seasonal resource, emphasizing the need for a transparent and deliverable supply profile if the partnership proceeds.