VIENTIANE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Laos' electricity exports to neighboring countries and ASEAN states are expected to increase to about 20,000 megawatt (MW) between 2020 and 2030.
Electricity is considered a huge revenue earner for Laos, especially through exports to neighboring countries and ASEAN states such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Wednesday.
Electricity is exported from Laos to ASEAN countries through Thailand by a transmission line. The power is first supplied to Malaysia and then sent through a Malaysian transmission line to Singapore, according to updated information on the Lao People's Democratic Republic Trade Portal website.
Demand for electricity in Laos grew in 2019 due to the increase in the population and the number of factories. In 2019, domestic consumption was 1,222 MW, and the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines said consumption is expected to increase by 1,800 MW between 2020 and 2025.
Laos has the potential to export power to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, and to Malaysia and Singapore by integrating transmission lines and distribution systems for electricity deals and exchanges.
According to Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines, Laos will be able to generate about 20,000 MW of electricity from 2020-30. During this period, the Thai government expects to import about 9,000 MW of electricity from Laos, Cambodia about 6,000 MW, Vietnam about 5,000 MW, Myanmar about 300 MW and Malaysia about 300 MW.
