Laos

The Laos Energy Security activity is a five-year activity funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the Government of Laos’ efforts to improve the planning, policies, and performance of the Lao energy sector.

Working as a subcontractor to NUMARK Associates, ESG assists LES by providing expertise in the energy sector to support the LES to:

1. Strengthen capacity in energy sector planning
2. Strengthen capacity and operations of Electricize du Laos (EDL)

Project Overview: The power supply in Laos is dependent on large-scale hydro-power, with fluctuations in supply associated with seasonal water levels. Although Laos has a large surplus of hydro-power in the north, during the dry months, it requires imported thermal power.

Laos is committed to meeting 30 percent of the country’s energy demand with non-hydro renewable energy resources by 2025. To assist the government, LES will support expanded access to energy, greater diversity in sources of energy generation, enhance regional energy trade, integrate energy markets, and strengthen energy security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

As part of this project, ESG provides the following technical assistance:

1. Strengthening capacity in power system planning and renewable energy integration, analyzing technical and economic feasibility of energy projects, including hydro, wind, solar, biomass/waste, hydrogen, and energy storage.
2. Supporting implementation of an electric vehicle policy.
3. Supporting engagement with the private sector, through dialogue with current and potential energy infrastructure counterparts and investors.
4. Strengthening capacity to improve system reliability and reduce technical electricity distribution losses.
5. Supporting development of tools to analyze rural electrification plans.
6. Supporting an EDL training center.