A 600MW utility-scale onshore wind farm has achieved commercial operation in Laos, south-east Asia.
Described as Asia’s first cross-border renewable energy initiative, the Monsoon Wind Power Project (pictured) transmits clean electricity from Laos to Vietnam.
The wind farm project, the largest in south-east Asia, was initiated by Impact Electrons Siam (IES) and is developed and operated by Monsoon Wind Power Company Ltd. It is backed by an international consortium of shareholders.
The 133 turbines span roughly 68,000 hectares of mountainous terrain in the Dak Cheung District of Sekong Province and the Sanxay District of Attapeu Province.
The turbines are supported by four 115kV substations for power collection and a 500kV substation for stepping up voltage before transmission. From there, the energy travels via a 27km high-voltage transmission line to the Laos–Vietnam border, where it integrates with Vietnam’s 500kV transmission system.
Monsoon Wind Power Project was completed in 27 months, achieving commercial operation in late August, four months ahead of schedule.
“This is a proud and historic moment for our company, our partners, and the region,” said Nat Hutanuwatr, managing director of Monsoon Wind Power.
“From the early days when many doubted the feasibility of a cross-border wind farm in this terrain, to overcoming technical, logistical, and financial challenges, this achievement stands as a testament to the determination, innovation, and collaboration of everyone involved, including our shareholders, lenders, advisors, contractors, technology providers, partners and the heroic Monsoon Wind team.
“The project not only delivers renewable energy at scale but also demonstrates how ASEAN countries can work together for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“We are grateful for the trust and steady support of both the Lao and Vietnamese governments throughout this journey, and proud that the project also brings lasting benefits to local communities through our unique community development programme, focusing on education, healthcare and wellbeing of the communities in which we operate.”
Representing an investment of approximately USD950m, Monsoon Wind is financed by a consortium of leading international and regional lenders.
The Monsoon Wind Power Project began in 2011 as an ambitious vision to harness the strong winds of southern Laos and deliver clean energy across borders.
Monsoon Wind Power chairwoman Paradei Suebma said: “Good things take time. Monsoon Wind, 14 years in the making, is a tribute to vision, partnership and our commitment to sustainability.
“We recognise the foresight of IES, who originated this project, and extend our deepest appreciation to our management and team of the Monsoon Wind Power Project, whose unwavering dedication and perseverance turned vision into reality.”
The project is expected to offset approximately 1.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Since construction began in March 2023, the Monsoon Wind Project has created at least 1600 jobs.
An annual USD1.1m community development fund supports education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure improvements in surrounding villages.