GE and Electricite du Laos (EDL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support hydropower generation developments and the Electrical Grid in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).

GE and Electricite du Laos (EDL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support hydropower generation developments and the Electrical Grid in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).

The agreement will see the companies launch joint research and training programs to support the long-term development of the nation’s energy sector and underpin Lao PDR’s aim to become a key power generation source of the ASEAN region.

Lao PDR has experienced a rapid growth in installed hydropower capacity and is a region leader in potential future capacity. The MoU aims at developing a fully qualified Hydro Lao PDR workforce via GE’s potential contribution to:

  • The design and development of the hydro curriculum;
  • Hydro technical trainings in GE’s industrial facilities, Lao PDR’s hydro power plants, or partners universities premises;
  • Developing local leaders via access to GE’s Corporate trainings, and fostering access to power to local communities.

Commenting on the MoU, Yves Rannou, president and CEO of GE’s Hydro Solutions said, “Creating value in the countries where we do business and contributing to their economic and social development locally is the way we drive our business. With this MoU, we are extremely proud to support the growth of Lao PDR and the success of EDL and we are eager to start working on its implementation.”

Another initiative described in the MoU is a national grid study to be conducted by GE Energy Consulting with the aim to contribute to the security and reliability of EDL’s transmission network. Under such initiative, GE would analyze the existing grid system to identify current constraints and make recommendations for improved performance. The feasibility of consolidating the grid infrastructure in Lao PDR, especially to merge the domestic network with that which links its power plants to customers in neighboring countries, would also be assessed, as would proposed network expansion plans for the next four years.

In addition to the signed MoU, GE announced the opening of its representative office in Lao PDR.

“The new office in Vientiane, coupled with the MoU signing, underscores our commitment to bringing our technologies, equipment and expertise to Lao PDR as well as our confidence in the country,” said Wouter Van Wersch, President and CEO, GE ASEAN. “Moving forward, we intend to assess how GE can also play a role in supporting the country’s healthcare sector development and we look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners to do this.”