The Nam Ngum 3 Hydropower Project, constructed by POWERCHINA, is expected to enhance Laos' energy structure.
The Nam Ngum 3 Hydropower Project in Laos, constructed by POWERCHINA, began reservoir impoundment on May 7.
This achievement marks a major breakthrough, signaling the transition from major civil works to reservoir filling, unit installation and commissioning.. It lays a solid foundation for the commissioning and operation of the first generating unit, and highlighting POWERCHINA's strength in delivering large-scale and complex hydropower projects.
Located in Xaysomboun Province, north of the Lao capital Vientiane, the project's key infrastructure includes a concrete-faced rockfill dam, spillway structures, and a water diversion and power generation system.
With a dam height of 210 meters, Nam Ngum 3 is the tallest dam in Laos. The hydropower station has a total installed capacity of 480 MW, featuring three 160 MW turbine-generator units. Once fully operational, the project is expected to supply Laos with 2,350 GWh of clean electricity annually.
As the project enters reservoir impoundment during the 2026 rainy season, the team will prioritize safety management while steadily advancing unit installation and supporting power transmission works. The goal is to achieve full-capacity power generation by 2027.
Upon completion, this project will continue to support the optimization of Laos' energy structure and socio-economic development, while further strengthening practical cooperation between China and Laos in the energy sector.
