Laos is predominantly relying on clean energy sources for its electricity, with more than three-quarters of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. The backbone of this low-carbon mix is hydropower, accounting for over 76% of total electricity generation. This means that fossil energy makes up close to a quarter of Laos's electricity production, with coal being the sole fossil source, contributing the entirety of this segment. This demonstrates Laos's commitment to maintaining a predominantly low-carbon electricity grid.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Laos?
Electricity consumption in Laos is on an upward trend, as evidenced by the growth in per capita consumption from 2022 to 2023. In 2023, the average electricity consumption per person was 6823 kWh, slightly surpassing the previous year’s consumption by 71 kWh per person. More importantly, low-carbon electricity generation per capita saw a significant increase, rising from 5141 kWh in 2022 to 5234 kWh in 2023, marking an improvement of 93 kWh. These developments underscore a positive trajectory in both overall consumption and the share of clean energy in Laos.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Laos can consider adopting mixed strategies inspired by successful regions. The introduction and expansion of solar energy, exemplified by regions like Nevada and California, which achieve over 30% of their electricity from solar, can serve as a viable path forward. Additionally, embracing nuclear energy, modeled by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear contributes over 65% of electricity, can significantly bolster Laos's clean energy credentials. These diversified approaches will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and prioritize sustainable, high-volume, and reliable electricity generation, ensuring Laos can meet its future energy needs sustainably.
History
Laos’s journey with low-carbon electricity has experienced various phases of growth and decline over the years. Starting from a modest decline in 1987, significant growth was observed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with notable increases in hydropower generation in 1998, 1999, and 2000. The growth trajectory continued robustly into the 2010s, with 2010 and 2011 marking substantial upsurges. The most dramatic increase came in 2020 with an impressive rise of 8.8 TWh, continuing into 2021 and 2022 with sustained growth. Overall, these periods reflect a strong commitment to low-carbon electricity development, positioning Laos well as it seeks to bolster further its green and sustainable energy framework.
