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Lao PDR Clean Energy Conference 2025: Inclusive, Resilient and Accelerating Energy Transition

The movement to accelerate clean energy in Lao PDR is in full swing.

On 25 September 2025, Vientiane became the epicenter of clean energy innovation as stakeholders from across the sector convened for the inaugural Lao PDR Clean Energy Conference 2025. This landmark event marked the beginning of a pivotal conversation about the country's energy future, bringing together a diverse coalition of changemakers committed to accelerating the clean energy transition.

The conference assembled an impressive cross-section of the clean energy ecosystem—from government policymakers and international development partners to local entrepreneurs, technology innovators, and community leaders. This diverse representation ensured that conversations reflected multiple perspectives and addressed the full spectrum of opportunities and challenges facing Lao PDR's energy sector.

What united this varied group was a shared commitment: to unlock Lao PDR's immense clean energy potential and chart a sustainable path forward for the nation's development.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in dynamic discussions across several key themes:

Session 1: International and ASEAN Perspectives, and Lao PDR Energy Policy and Planning
Establishing the regional and national policy context for clean energy development.

Session 2: Getting Clean Energy Moving in Lao PDR
Exploring practical pathways to accelerate deployment and implementation.

Session 3: Pathways and Opportunities for an Inclusive and Resilient Clean Energy Transition
Ensuring the transition delivers broad-based economic and social benefits.

Session 4: Mobilizing Clean Energy Investment in Lao PDR
Unlocking the financial resources needed to realize the country's clean energy ambitions.

The conference format encouraged not just presentations, but genuine dialogue—creating space for questions, debates, and the collaborative problem-solving that will be essential for driving meaningful change.

These examples demonstrated that the tools and technologies needed for Lao PDR's clean energy transition are not just theoretical—they're already being deployed and proven effective.

  • Ms. Sue-Ern Tan, Head of the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre, highlighted the increasing importance of Southeast Asia as a rising force in global energy, with rapidly growing demand and emerging status as a manufacturing hub for clean energy technologies including solar, batteries, and electric vehicles.
  • Mr. Boualom Saysanavong, Deputy Director General, Department of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, outlined the Government of Lao PDR's priorities and plans for power development, including significant pipelines of hydro, solar, and wind generation projects, alongside increasing power trade with neighboring countries.
  • Mr. Khamsouk Bounlavong, Deputy Director of Power System Planning and Control Department, Electricite Du Laos, described how the national utility, EDL, is balancing power supply and demand while planning for the future with increasing solar and wind deployment.
  • Mr. Xu Feng, Deputy Managing Director, EDL-Transmission, detailed plans for strengthening the EDL transmission system, including interconnections with China, Thailand, and Vietnam, to enable development of Lao PDR's significant solar and wind resources.

The conference produced several important outcomes:

  • Clarified Strategic Priorities: Provided a platform for key actors to articulate and explain government, utility, and private sector priorities and planning around the energy sector.
  • Built Strategic Networks: Brought together energy sector stakeholders from public, private, donor, finance, engineering, and civil society sectors to network and forge relationships.
  • Emphasized Inclusive Development: Underscored the importance of a resilient and inclusive energy transition to ensure that broader economic, social, and development objectives are met.
  • Highlighted Financial Mobilization: Spotlighted the pivotal role of the financial sector in mobilizing investment in clean energy.

Beyond the formal sessions, the energy in the hallways and during networking breaks was palpable. New partnerships were formed, ideas were exchanged, and the seeds of future collaborations were planted. This collaborative spirit—the willingness to work together across sectors and borders—will be crucial for achieving the ambitious clean energy goals ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to every speaker, panelist, moderator, participant, and supporter who made this conference a success. Your expertise, vision, and commitment to a sustainable future for Lao PDR are the driving force behind this movement.

The Lao PDR Clean Energy Conference 2025 was not a conclusion—it was a catalyst. The real work begins now as we transform the insights, connections, and commitments made during this day into concrete action.Lao PDR Clean Energy Conference 2025 focused on powering Lao PDR’s clean energy future. From rooftop solar to regional grid integration, the sessions highlighted inclusive and resilient renewable energy pathways.