Khit/ Pearl (NSS) – Dec 29

The report states that the Myanmar-Laos cross-border power line project will be implemented soonest in order to fulfill the power demand in Myanmar.

Minister for Electric Power U Nyan Tun notified the abovementioned message during the bilateral minister-level meeting on Myanmar-Laos electricity sector cooperation that was held in Vientiane, Laos on December 25.

“Myanmar desires to implement the Myanmar-Laos cross-border power line project soonest. According to the completion of the Feasible Study Report (FSR) of the cross-border power line project and the review of the FSR, the implementation of the project based on technical and economic feasibility will be presented to the governments of the two countries and receive guidance,” the Minister said.

The Myanmar-Laos Joint Working Committee (JWC) and Joint Working Group (JWG) have been formed and cooperated for more than five years and there is a potential to obtain total electricity from 2800 MW to 3200 MW.

Laos Minister for Energy and Mines Mr. Phoxay Sayasone remarked that the Myanmar-Laos cross-border power line project and Mekong River basin hydropower project feasibility studies will be encouraged.”

Myanmar will need 14,542 megawatts of electricity by 2030. To meet this demand, not only domestic power production will be increased but also will cross-border power purchases be promoted.

Myanmar is currently working with China and Thailand to build cross-border power line projects to purchase electricity.

In addition, the Lao company and the Myanmar company will provide mutually necessary assistance so that the companies from both countries can cooperate on the feasibility study of hydropower projects in the Mekong River basin.