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EDL-Gen Defends Nam Ngum 1 Dam Amid Flood Accusations

This Week

Electricité du Laos Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen) has defended operations at the Nam Ngum 1 hydropower plant following public accusations that water releases from the dam contributed to flooding in parts of Vientiane Province and Vientiane Capital in late September.

The controversy emerged after floodwaters affected Phonhong and Naxaythong districts, prompting rumours that discharges from the Nam Ngum 1 dam in Keooudom district had caused or worsened the flooding.

Speaking to state media on 12 December, Deputy Managing Director Daovieng Sounanthalath said the dam plays a role in reducing flood risks and operates strictly under government-approved procedures. He rejected claims that the dam caused recent flooding, saying its operations support both flood management and daily water needs.

Before any discharge takes place, the company must conduct technical assessments and obtain approval from relevant authorities.

Such releases reduce electricity generation and result in financial losses, giving the company strong incentives to limit unnecessary discharge.

To clarify operations, Daovieng outlined the procedures required before any release, including 24-hour monitoring of weather conditions, analysis of upstream water flows, coordination with relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and advance notifications to downstream communities 24 to 48 hours in advance.

Nam Ngum 1 began operations in 1971 as Laos’ first hydropower plant and remains one of the country’s major electricity producers. EDL-Gen currently supplies about 20 percent of domestic electricity demand and exports power to neighbouring countries, particularly Thailand.

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