EDF pledges to develop Nam Thuen 2 as model energy project
Laos News Agency
11/21/2006


(KPL) The Electricite de France (EDF) has pledged to develop Nam Theun 2 as a model energy production in Laos, a senior official of EDF.

“The EDF will actively join its Lao holding state enterprise and other shareholders to develop the Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project,” said Mr Pierre Gadonneix, the Director General of EDF.

Mr Gadonneix and his delegation visited the Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project in Nakai district, Khammuan province from 17 to 18 November.
“The Nam Theun 2 project development is very important for poverty reduction”, Mr Gadonneix said.

A four-day visiting, Mr Gadonneix was welcomed by people in Nakai, Nhommalath and Mahasxay districts, including Mr Somboun Latsasombath, Deputy Minister of the Energy and Mining, Mr Odai Soudaphone and Deputy Governor of Khammuan province.

The Nam Thuen 2 will be the largest project construction in Laos will receive large benefit because the Nam Thuen use modern technology to generate electricity. The project has perfect plans for preserving environment, bio-diversity, the improving living condition of the communities nearby.

The construction of Nam Theun 2 project was smoothly conducted thanks to the cooperation from local people, various local authorities and company owners. However, the EDF will actively to develop this project and try to make this project as model project.

While Mr Gadonneix was visiting the Nam Thuen 2 project, he also made a field visit at the powerhouse and downstream channel.

Mr Gadonneix also visited Phonsavang, Sob On and Nongboua villages. These villages are new accommodations for local people who removed from the construction areas and reservoir.
The construction of the Nam Theun 2 is 40 percent completed and it is expected to be completed by 2009.

Shareholders in the company are Electricité de France (EDF, 35%), the Electricity Generating Public Company of Thailand (EGCO, 25%), Electricité du Laos (EDL, 25%), and Ital–Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD, 15%).