In the upper Nam Phay River valley, the Nam Phay Hydropower Plant, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco Group)’s first BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) project abroad, has now surpassed 3 billion kilowatt-hours of cumulative power generation.
A view of the Nam Phay Hydropower Plant [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Commissioned in May 2017, the 86-megawatt plant produces an average of 417 million kWh annually. It plays a vital role in Laos’ plan to become the “Battery of Southeast Asia”, delivering clean electricity to high-demand areas including Vientiane and Xaysomboun. The plant has helped save around 870,000 tons of standard coal and cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 2.99 million tons.
Norinco Group has actively fulfilled its social responsibilities throughout the project. During construction, it built a resettlement village with electricity, clean water, schools, a clinic and a local market. It also regularly monitors water quality and supports a local development fund.
A view of the Nam Phay Hydropower Plant [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Norinco Group has focused on localization. Over 70 percent of the staff are Laotian, trained through a mentorship program pairing Chinese and Laotian employees, helping to build local technical capacity and boost employment.
The successful operation of the plant demonstrates the strength and responsibility of Chinese enterprises in international energy cooperation.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
