Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Driving eastward from Pakse, the largest city in southern Laos, endless rice paddies are gradually replaced by rolling mountains. As the altitude increases, rows of white wind turbines wind their way along the mountain ridges to the summit, turning slowly in the wind. This is the core area of the Mengsong 600 MW wind power project in Laos, designed and constructed by a Chinese company – Laos' first wind power project and currently the largest single green energy project in Southeast Asia.
"The project spans Saikong and Attapeu provinces, with the site at an altitude between 1,000 and 2,200 meters, and consists of 133 4.5 MW wind turbine generators," explained Sun Changjiang, project manager of the project from China Power Construction East China Institute. In August of this year, the project achieved full-capacity commercial operation, with an estimated annual power generation of approximately 1.72 billion kilowatt-hours, reducing carbon emissions by 1.56 million tons annually.
The green electricity generated by the project is transmitted eastward to central Vietnam via a 71-kilometer-long 500-kilovolt transmission and transformation project. Sun Changjiang explained that Laos experiences its dry season from November to April each year, with reduced rainfall but stronger winds. The project's operation precisely fills the seasonal power shortage in Southeast Asia, enhancing regional grid stability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
"The rebar tying must be evenly spaced, and the concrete vibration must be thorough..." Lao quality engineer Kang Sai, holding a checklist, explained the key points of wind turbine foundation pouring to his colleagues in Lao, while Chinese foreman Gao Fuwen provided timely technical details.
Kang Sai, who studied civil engineering at Tongren University in Guizhou, only had a theoretical understanding of foundation engineering before coming to the project. Over three years, under the careful guidance of the Chinese technical team, he transformed theory into practical skills, mastering the entire process of wind turbine foundation construction.
During the project's construction, it provided employment for over 1,000 local and surrounding residents, covering positions such as laborers, managers, drivers, and translators, accounting for over 60% of the total workforce. Some employees chose to remain after improving their skills through specialized training provided by the project team. "The Chinese side provided local employees with comprehensive on-site training in areas such as safe operation, wind turbine installation, and equipment maintenance," said Langphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Laos. He added that during the project's operational phase, both sides will continue to conduct advanced training to help Lao engineers improve their management and technical skills.
During construction, the team successfully overcame multiple challenges, including complex geological terrain construction, biodiversity conservation, long-distance logistics transportation, cross-season construction organization, and cross-border power transmission and grid connection. The more than 160 kilometers of on-site roads constructed to support the project have facilitated daily travel for local villagers and the transportation of cash crops. The Chinese side also specifically hired a research team to monitor local biodiversity, recording the activity patterns and growth areas of more than 20 protected species of flora and fauna, including rare fire salamanders and rhododendrons, and protecting their habitats by adjusting construction routes.
As a major electricity exporter in Southeast Asia, Laos has been vigorously promoting its vision of becoming the "Battery of Southeast Asia" in recent years. Currently, the preliminary geological survey for the 1000 MW Mengsong Phase II wind power project has commenced. Over the next five years, several projects, including the Savan No. 1 wind power project and the Khanga wind power project, will be put into operation, with an estimated additional wind power capacity of approximately 4.4 GW.
"China possesses advanced technology and rich experience. Lao-China energy cooperation is of great significance to Laos' clean energy transition," said Luang Phan. He added that the project provides a model for ASEAN countries to cooperate in developing alternative energy sources and reducing energy risks, and he looks forward to further deepening cooperation in the clean energy sector to contribute to the high-quality economic and social development of both countries and the region.
