Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Laos has achieved a breakthrough in upgrading its coffee industry, building Asia's first hydrogen-powered coffee roasting plant in Champasak Province. This move will increase the added value of coffee exports, promote green and sustainable production, and open the door to high-end international markets for Lao coffee.
Coffee is a core agricultural export category for Laos, with an annual output value exceeding US$200 million, playing a crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods and boosting export revenue. The Lao government is strengthening the competitiveness of its coffee industry by promoting processing modernization, technological innovation, and value-added upgrades.
The plant was built through a collaboration between a Japanese company (led by Ryutaro Nishio), local coffee producers, and the Lao government, which provides policy incentives and support to promote sustainable production. The pilot plant, which went into operation last year, uses hydrogen fuel to roast coffee beans at 200 degrees Celsius, preserving natural flavor and aroma while achieving zero carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, unlike traditional fossil fuel roasting processes.
Laos' abundant hydropower resources make hydrogen production costs lower than in neighboring countries, creating an energy advantage that helps the plant produce high-quality coffee at competitive prices while adhering to environmental principles. The pilot project has yielded significant results, and a large-scale factory with an annual production capacity of 5,000 tons is under construction, expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Ryutaro Nishio stated that the goal is to make hydrogen-roasted coffee a signature product of Laos, enabling it to establish itself in the international market based on quality, sustainability, and innovation. The project will also benefit local farmers, helping them access high-end markets and increase their income. The "100% clean coffee" label is expected to attract high-end consumers globally, ensuring the long-term development of the industry.
Over the past decade, the Lao government and its partners have continuously worked to improve coffee quality and market access. Currently, the Boeung Veng Plateau is the main growing area, and coffee cultivation in northern provinces such as Phongsaly and Huaphan has also received positive market feedback. (End)
