Laos-China Power Link Launches

A landmark project in regional energy cooperation has come to life with the official launch of the Laos-China 500-kilovolt (kV) cross-border alternating-current (AC) power link. Operational as of April 20, 2026, this high-voltage connection marks a new era of energy partnership between the two nations, establishing a robust “power highway” for clean energy exchange.

A Quantum Leap with the Laos China power link

This project represents the first 500-kV cross-border AC power interconnection for China and is the largest, highest-voltage power grid connection between the two countries. The new link dramatically increases the two-way power transfer capacity, boosting it from 50,000 kilowatts (kW) to an impressive 1.5 million kW. This enhancement enables the annual transmission of approximately 3 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity, a staggering thirty-fold increase compared to previous levels.

The transmission line spans 177.5 kilometers, connecting the power grid in China’s Yunnan Province with the northern Lao provinces of Oudomxay and Luang Namtha. Construction on this ambitious project began in February 2025 and was a collaborative effort between China Southern Power Grid and Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T).

Inauguration and Immediate Impact

The significance of the project was underscored by launch ceremonies held simultaneously in Vientiane, Laos, and Kunming, China. The event in Vientiane was attended by high-ranking officials, including Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

The impact was immediate. Upon going live, the power link facilitated the transfer of 4.81 million kWh of clean energy from new energy bases in northern Laos to Yunnan. This transaction marked the first time an overseas new energy project has participated in China’s domestic electricity market, setting a new precedent for cross-border power trading.

Mutual Benefits and Future Growth

Lao officials have praised the project for its role in enhancing the reliability of the power supply and improving peak-load balancing capabilities in northern Laos. Since 2022, the two countries have already exchanged 1.6 billion kWh of electricity, and this new infrastructure provides a vital channel for Laos to export its abundant clean energy resources.

The project is also a key component of a broader energy strategy. A related solar power project in Laos, with an annual capacity of 1.65 billion kWh, is set to transmit 1.1 billion kWh of that power across the border in 2026, further solidifying the link’s importance. This energy corridor is a pivotal step in building a shared future and advancing green, low-carbon development for both nations.