Electricity in Laos in 2022

In 2022, Laos generated more than 70% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, positioning itself strongly in the global arena of clean energy adoption. Almost all of this came from hydropower, which contributed approximately 73% to its electricity generation. This reliance on hydropower indicates its substantial role in Laos's energy mix and highlights the country's considerable investment in low-carbon energy sources. Meanwhile, fossil fuels—entirely from coal—rounded out the remaining 27% of the country's electricity production. This distribution underscores the potential for further growth in transitioning to cleaner energy solutions, which can help reduce reliance on coal and its environmental impacts.

Suggestions

To further bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Laos can look to successful examples from other countries. Denmark, for instance, generates nearly 60% of its electricity from wind power, setting a global benchmark in integrating wind energy into the national grid. Laos could explore tapping into its wind energy potential, which would diversify its clean energy portfolio alongside hydropower. Moreover, embracing solar energy, as countries like Greece and Chile have done where solar contributes around 22% of electricity, could be another viable option given Laos's geographic advantage in sunlight exposure. By learning from these nations and integrating diverse low-carbon energy sources such as wind and solar, Laos can strengthen its energy security and sustainability.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Laos has seen varied developments, largely driven by hydropower. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the country experienced moderate growth, with occasional setbacks in hydropower generation. A significant leap occurred in the early 2010s, particularly in 2010 and 2011, when its electricity generation from hydropower surged notably by 5 and 4.5 terawatt-hours respectively. The upward trend continued into the late 2010s, with noteworthy increments in 2016 and 2017 by 3.7 and 2.4 terawatt-hours. A remarkable spike of 8.8 terawatt-hours was recorded in 2020, reflecting a robust investment in hydropower projects. Despite slight fluctuations yearly, the overall trajectory has been one of growth, laying a sturdy foundation for the future expansion of low-carbon electricity sources in the country.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources