Last weekend, Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane, alongside Luang Prabang provincial leaders, inspected the progress of the Luang Prabang Hydropower Project. With an estimated construction cost of five billion United States dollars, the project aims to generate sustainable hydropower while minimizing environmental and social impacts.

The hydropower initiative incorporates fish passage conservation, navigation facilities for cargo and passenger boats, and structural resilience against seismic activity. Officials confirmed that dam foundation work is advancing, with water flow to be diverted for further construction. The project is expected to be completed by 2027, two years ahead of the timeline set for the Xayaburi Hydropower Project.

During the visit, authorities discussed solutions to ensure sustainability and protect local livelihoods. A key focus was the Mekong River’s algae ecosystem, which plays a vital role in both consumption and commercial production. The delegation also reviewed Luang Prabang’s tourism revenue collection system as part of broader economic oversight.

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