The China-Laos 500-kV power interconnection project reached a historic milestone today as engineers completed physical linkage between infrastructure in both nations. This cross-border energy corridor – stretching from Yunnan province to northern Laos – positions itself as a cornerstone of regional cooperation ahead of its planned operational launch later this year.
State Grid Corporation of China confirmed the mechanical completion enables comprehensive testing to commence, with full electricity transmission capabilities expected by mid-2026. The project forms part of China's broader Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, designed to enhance energy security across Southeast Asia.
Lao energy officials highlighted the grid's potential to stabilize domestic power supplies while creating export opportunities through surplus hydropower sales. For the Chinese mainland, this connectivity enables optimized energy distribution to southern industrial hubs while supporting regional decarbonization efforts through clean energy sharing.
Analysts note the timing aligns with growing ASEAN demand for integrated power networks, with this project serving as a potential model for future Cambodia-Thailand-Vietnam interconnections. The development comes as Southeast Asian nations seek to balance energy security with renewable transition targets through 2030.
