Project Overview
Southeast Asia's largest and Laos' first onshore wind power plant "Monsoon Onshore Wind Power" began commercial operation on August 22. Built in mountainous areas at altitudes of 1,100-1,700 meters in Dakchung District, Sekong Province and Sanxay District, Attapeu Province in southern Laos, the facility features 133 wind turbines of 4.5 megawatts (MW) each, achieving a total output of 600MW.
Construction Schedule and Operation Start
Official construction began in April 2023, with initial plans for full operation in December 2025. However, trial operation began in July with 66 turbines (300MW). With all 133 turbines now operational, commercial operation began four months ahead of the original schedule.
Power Supply System
All generated electricity will be supplied to Vietnam Electricity (EVN). Power is transmitted via a 27-kilometer 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line to the Laos-Vietnam border, then connected to Vietnam's 44-kilometer transmission network and delivered to Than My substation.
ASEAN Power Grid Initiative Model Case
This project is positioned as a model case aligned with the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative. APG is an effort to mutually share electricity within ASEAN and utilize renewable energy across the region.
Environmental and Social Effects
Through the 25-year electricity sales period to EVN, cumulative CO2 emission reductions of approximately 32.5 million tons are expected. This reduction amount is equivalent to stopping approximately 7 million cars from operating for one year, or planting approximately 59 million trees (over 25 years).
Community Consideration
The project did not result in resident relocations, and $1.1 million annually is contributed to a community development fund. The fund aims to support regional assistance including education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development, implementing programs such as study abroad scholarships, mobile medical services, and livelihood support programs through coffee cultivation.
Wind Power Development Trends in Laos
Other major projects include a 556MW-scale development plan by CGN Power (China General Nuclear Power Group) in the north, and a 750MW-scale project by Lao-Viet Energy planned in central Borikhamxay Province.