The Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project in Laos has taken a decisive step towards completion by beginning commercial export of electricity to Thailand. On Monday March 15, the project’s four export production turbines started full generation service, supplying the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) with 1,000 MW of electricity at commercial tariff.
This supply to the Thai grid comes as power demand in Thailand approaches its seasonal peak. Sales of electricity to the Lao state utility, Electricité du Laos, have also begun.
Nam Theun 2 has been designed as a multipurpose project that aims to contribute to local and regional development, reduce poverty, and provide a renewable and clean energy source. Project operator, the Nam Theun 2 Power Company (NTPC), is co-owned by Electricité de France (with a 35% shareholding), the Lao government (25%), the Electricity Generating Public Company of Thailand (25%), and Italian-Thai Development (15%).
NTPC has a 25-year concession as owner of the project, during which time the Lao government will accrue royalties, dividends and taxes estimated at over US$2 billion. After the concession period, Nam Theun 2 will be fully owned by the Lao state.
Source NTPC and NamTheun2.com
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