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Nam Ou River Cascade Hydropower Plant (first phase) constructed by POWERCHINA in Laos [Photo/POWERCHINA] |
The electric power output of Nam Ou River Cascade Hydropower Plant (first phase) in Laos exceeded 3 billion degrees on Aug 13, 2018, helping Laos move closer to its target of becoming the "storage battery of Southeast Asia."
The cascade hydropower station, funded and built by POWERCHINA, is a key project in the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative, with 29 years of franchising. The project consists of seven separate cascade power stations with an installation capacity of 1,272 MW and a total investment of about $2.7 billion. It started construction in 2012, with the first unit beginning electricity generation on Nov 29, 2015, 40 days ahead of schedule.
The first phase project involves three stations running across four counties in two provinces in Laos. Since beginning operation, it has enjoyed a high level of safety and has won multiple awards for its advanced construction technology.
As the project contractor, POWERCHINA continues to communicate with the Electricite du Laos (EDL) on national grid management, focusing on electricity output, electric charge, safety, cost, and ecology.
When Laos had an electric power shortage due to hydropower station accidents, POWERCHINA actively took responsibility for electricity generation, receiving praise from the Lao government and EDL.
Throughout Nam Ou's construction, POWERCHINA served as a model for Chinese companies looking to develop overseas projects and a pioneer in quality and innovative construction. The corporation insisted on maximizing benefits while minimizing resettlement, land loss, and environmental influence, and also invested over $100 million in migrant resettlement, community development, and infrastructure construction.
In addition to boosting Laos' national grid development, POWERCHINA has stepped up efforts to offer support to such key structures as the China-Laos Railway and propel local economic growth.
The company's efforts on project construction and operation and its contribution to the local economy were praised by Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Bunthoong Chitmany during his visit to the project site on Aug 9, 2018.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, POWERCHINA will continue to promote safe construction and economic benefits, hoping to become a leader among Chinese companies involved in overseas electric power operation.
