The British Embassy in Vientiane recently hosted a National Dialogue on Clean Energy Transition to support Laos in its push for more sustainable energy.
Co-organized with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Energy Transition Council (ETC), and the UK Aid-funded Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) program, the event brought together government officials, energy experts, and international partners to discuss Laos’ energy challenges and future plans.
The Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce highlighted Laos’ goal to increase renewable energy to 30 percent of its power mix by 2030.
“We’re focusing on moving beyond hydropower to include solar and wind. By 2050, we aim to have a near-zero emissions power sector and enhance electricity trade within ASEAN,” the minister said.
The British Ambassador, Melanie Barlow, confirmed the UK’s support for Laos’ energy transition.
“Lao PDR is an important partner for the UK in energy and climate action. The Energy Transition Council gives us a chance to collaborate on achieving Laos’ renewable energy goals,” she said.
Priorities
The dialogue focused on three priorities: speeding up renewable energy deployment, exploring storage and hydrogen solutions, and improving Laos’ energy grid. Experts from the Asian Development Bank, the CCG program, and Laos’ power utility (EDL) discussed how to modernize Laos’ energy infrastructure.
As part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement, Laos aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The meeting emphasized the importance of investment, regional cooperation, and technology in reaching these goals.
The British Embassy and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce agreed that the private sector and international partners must work together to drive Laos’ clean energy future.
The Energy Transition Council and the CCG program will continue offering technical support to help Laos meet its clean energy targets.
Information from the British Embassy in Vientiane
