The Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s reliance on debt financing for the power sector has led to significant economic growth but also severe debt distress. Reforms should focus on improving sector governance, enhancing financial sustainability, and fostering clean energy access.
The study tour and masterclass provided the participants with in-depth understanding and practical knowledge of (i) key energy transition tasks and tools, (ii) technologies and applications to be utilized for renewable energy integration and expansion, (iii) policy frameworks to support energy transition, and (iv) power market development to support energy transition including interstate trades.
The Fifth Meeting of the GMS Task Force on Trade and Investment (TFTI) was held on 10–11 July 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, attended by more than 40 GMS governmental officials in-person or virtually.
Electric vehicle adoption into the public transport sector is apowerful game changer that can help to cut emissions at densely populated urban centres right across the region.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and BANPU Public Company Limited signed a 2.4 billion baht loan to support the financing of 1,500 six-seater electric tuktuks (e-tuktuks) and related charging stations for micro-scale transit services in Bangkok, Thailand.
The GMs Energy Transition Task Force (ETTF) met in Siem Reap on 4-5 December 2023 to discuss updates and plans related to its work streams, including trends, opportunities and related initiatives in the region.
The meeting agreed on these next steps for 2024.
ADB will support the development and operation of solar photovoltaic systems located on the rooftops of commercial and industrial businesses across Viet Nam. Photo courtesy of GreenYellow.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and GreenYellow Smart Solutions Vietnam Co., Ltd. (GreenYellow), have signed a loan agreement of up to $13.8 million for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar systems to help increase the supply of clean and affordable energy for commercial and industrial consumers in Viet Nam.
The Lotus Wind Power Project deployed by the Asian Development Bank in Viet Nam. Photo by ADB.
Agreements for feasibility studies for (i) a planned wind farm and (ii) a 500 kV substation for electricity transmission in Savannakhet, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), was signed by representatives from Lao PDR Ministry of Planning and Investment, NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment (a Lao PDR firm), and UPC Renewable Energy. UPC Renewable Energy and NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment will cooperate on the feasibility study.
Great strides were made in bringing power to the people by innovative policies, new technologies, and increased financing, but the region is unlikely to reach energy access targets by 2030. . Photo credit: ADB.
Despite welcome progress on universal access to electricity, the transition to renewable energy is faltering at a time when multiple shocks are hitting Asia and the Pacific hard.
Engineer R. Akkachat Chatthong checks the condition of the solar panel surface. Photo from the "Thailand: Provincial Solar Power Project" by ADB.
Greater Mekong Subregion countries will meet on 13-14 June 2023, Manila, Philippines, for the first GMS Energy Transition Task Force Meeting (ETTF).
The Kim Thanh International Border Gate between Lao Cai (Viet Nam) and Yunnan Province (PRC) plays a vital role in the GMS northern corridor. Photo by ADB.
The Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 highlights the continued growth of integration in subregional initiatives and programs in Southeast Asia, including both in the GMS and the ASEAN, from 2006 to 2020.
Greater Mekong Subregion Secretariat
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department, Asian Development Bank
Address: 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 8632 4444 Fax: +63 2 8636 2226