Largest single-site solar power project in SE Asia begins operation in Laos

The largest single-site solar power project in Southeast Asia, built by China General Nuclear Power Corp in northern Laos, began operations on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in the region's transition to green energy.

As the corporation's first overseas million-kilowatt-level greenfield project to be independently planned and developed, the project is seen as a major boost to the Laotian government's strategic goal of becoming the "battery of Southeast Asia".

The facility, the first large-scale mountainous solar farm in Laos, is expected to generate an average of 1.65 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, it said.

Beyond clean energy production, the project has delivered tangible social and economic benefits to the local community.

During the peak construction phase, it provided nearly 3,000 local jobs. Furthermore, the corporation contributed to regional infrastructure by repairing and reinforcing five bridges and improving local road networks, significantly enhancing logistics and daily transport for residents.

The project has also acted as a powerful engine for industrial collaboration between China and Laos. It integrated the supply chains of over 70 enterprises, including 40 Chinese firms specializing in new energy manufacturing and construction, and 30 Laotian companies providing local labor, machinery, and raw materials.

Yang Changli, chairman of the corporation, emphasized that this commissioning is only the beginning of the group's long-term commitment to the region.

"CGN will accelerate the follow-up clean energy projects across provinces in northern Laos, while actively exploring markets in the central and southern regions," Yang said. "We are committed to pushing China-Laos connectivity toward deeper levels and broader fields."