EPIC to build $1.7 billion 1000MW coal-fired power plant in Laos

• 3 years ago (2020-06-05)
• David Flin

Asia 846 Coal 273

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The Government of Laos has approved a plan by Evolution Power Investment Corporation (EPIC) of Singapore to develop of 1000MW coal-fired power plant in the southern province of Sekong. The plant is scheduled to export power to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. EPIC has signed an agreement with Lao firm Khounxay Bridge and Road Construction and Repair Company (KMX) to conduct a feasibility study for the $1.7 billion project.

The plant will use “domestically-extracted fuel sources.” Laos has reserves of an estimated 600-700 million tons of coal, primarily lignite. Khamthanh Phommathat, Vice President of KMX, said: “Thermal power has and will play an important part in the power mix for the ASEAN region. Given the global headwinds against thermal power in terms of its environmental impact, it is critical that the latest technologies be used to minimise such impact.”

The feasibility study for the Sekong plant will focus on the economic, social, and environmental viability of the project.