Lao, Korean experts discuss renewable energy
Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
Renewable energy experts from Lao and Korean have met in Vientiane to discuss, research, public-private partnerships and investment projects using the technology in Laos.
Yesterday’s meeting was attended by Director General of the Department of Technology and Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Soumana Choulamany and Researcher and Director of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), Republic of Korea, Dr Jeong Hyop Lee.
During the meeting participants exchanged experiences on renewable energy research and usage in countries that have successful adopted the technology including the Republic of Korea.
Soumana said the workshop was very important for renewable energy in Laos.
“Renewable energy is a new challenge for Laos because the country does not yet understand how to promote and support the sector such as solar and wind power plants for connection to the grid, as well as hybrid or independent systems,” he said.
“However, the government is now seeking support to study the development of renewable energy in the country. Particularly public–private partnerships to implement research and investment projects in this sector from 2016 to 2020,” he added.
Many renewable energy companies have presented investment projects to the government aiming to improve the conditions of local people but so far only solar power had been accepted.
According to the director general, the government should increase support for the sector as part of a clean energy future because it was sustainable, economical and available.
Soumana added that now the Department of Technology and Innovation and Ministry of Planning and Investment were cooperating with Korea to study waste power plant projects in Vientiane, Xayaboury and Luang Prabang.
According to the Institute of the Renewable Energy Promotion Department at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Laos has considerable potential in terms of wind and solar energy, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country.
Now, Laos has completed two pre-feasibility studies in Nong and Xonbouly districts, Savannakhet province, but has yet to conduct large scale wind or solar project studies due to a lack of regulations or funding support.