19 Jan, 2026

Laos to Export Electricity to Singapore Under Regional Power Agreement

Laos has taken another step toward expanding regional electricity exports after a new agreement cleared the way for Lao-generated power to be transmitted to Singapore through neighbouring countries.On 14 January, Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Electricité du Laos, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand signed the Phase 2 Energy Wheeling Agreement under the Lao PDR–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project. The first phase was signed in 2022 with a two year period that ended on June 22, 2024.The agreement, which takes effect immediately and will run for two years, allows electricity produced in Laos to be sold and delivered to Singapore using existing transmission networks in Thailand and Malaysia.Under the arrangement, Laos can export between 30 and 100 megawatts of electricity, with Electricité du Laos paying wheeling fees for the use of Malaysia’s transmission infrastructure.Officials said the deal completes the operational framework for the project’s second phase, reinforcing Laos’ role as a regional power supplier and advancing cross-border electricity trade within ASEAN.The agreement comes as Laos continues to expand its clean energy sector. In recent years, the country has signed major investment deals to develop large-scale renewable power projects and strengthen regional grid connectivity.Among them is a USD 1.45 billion agreement with Chinese and Singapore-based partners to develop an 1,800-megawatt clean energy project in Xekong Province, scheduled for completion by early 2030.Laos is also progressing with the Lao–China 500-kilovolt interconnection project, due for completion in 2026, which will enable the exchange of up to 1,500 megawatts of electricity and the transmission of around 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually.Authorities say these agreements and infrastructure projects support Laos’ long-term strategy to position itself as a regional clean energy hub while deepening power integration across the Mekong subregion and ASEAN.

14 Jan, 2026

Asia Development Bank Backs Urban Planning for Resilient and Sustainable Cities in Laos

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 700,000 grant to support feasibility studies and project preparation for more resilient and sustainable urban development in Laos, as the country faces rapid urbanisation and growing tourism demand.An inception workshop for the Feasibility Study for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Improvement Project was held on 12 January, chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Detsongkham Thammavong. The meeting brought together 58 participants from line ministries, provincial and district authorities, ADB, and consulting firms.According to officials, the workshop reviewed the overall project scope and progress made during the preparation phase. Participants discussed priority sub-projects, agreed on an implementation timeline, and examined work plans, technical guidelines, and coordination mechanisms between government agencies and the advisory team.The ADB grant will finance technical studies to identify and prioritise future urban infrastructure investments. Key focus areas include urban planning, road and transport networks, drainage and flood management systems, riverbank protection, bridges, and solid waste management facilities.Authorities said the project aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of urban infrastructure while improving service delivery for both residents and visitors. Target areas include Xay District in Oudomxay Province and Namtha District in Luang Namtha Province, both of which are experiencing increased development pressure.Project preparation began in September 2025 and is currently in the data collection and sub-project assessment stage. The feasibility study is expected to conclude in August 2026, with findings intended to guide future investment projects aligned with Laos’ long-term urban development strategy.