The companies plan to develop several hydro power projects with installed capacities below 50MW each. The target is to build a portfolio of 300MW in Lao PDR.
Antoine Decitre, co-managing director of Velcan Energy, said: “Laos is a country gifted with a significant hydropower potential of 28,000MW. As of today, only 1,670MW has been built. Laos needs power for domestic consumption and can also export to its neighbours Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China.
“We are glad to have added Laos as a new investment possibility for Velcan Energy. So far our relations with the Government of Lao PDR have been excellent. The government and its various administrations have been very helpful. With its important know-how and connections, ECI is an ideal partner for Velcan Energy to invest in Lao PDR.”
ECI is a Lao government company under the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The company focuses on distribution of electricity, grid maintenance and extension as well as rural electrification. ECI has been chosen by the Lao government to be its representative for small hydropower projects up to 50MW.
