A 600-megawatt (MW) onshore wind farm in southern Laos has commenced commercial operations, becoming Southeast Asia’s largest wind energy project and the first in the region to export renewable electricity across national borders.
The Monsoon Wind Power Project, located in the mountainous Dak Cheung District of Sekong Province and Sanxay District of Attapeu Province, will transmit clean energy to Vietnam through a 27-kilometre high-voltage transmission line connecting to the Vietnamese grid.
Backed by a consortium of international and regional investors, the project was initiated by Impact Electrons Siam (IES) and is developed and operated by Monsoon Wind Power Company Ltd. It achieved commercial operation in late August, four months ahead of schedule, following 27 months of construction.
“This is a proud and historic moment for our company, our partners, and the region,” said Nat Hutanuwatr, managing director of Monsoon Wind Power. “From the early days when many doubted the feasibility of a cross-border wind farm in this terrain, to overcoming technical, logistical, and financial challenges, this achievement stands as a testament to the determination, innovation, and collaboration of everyone involved.”
The wind farm consists of 133 turbines spread over 68,000 hectares and is supported by four 115-kilovolt substations and one 500kV substation to step up voltage for cross-border transmission. The facility connects to Vietnam’s 500kV transmission system at the border.
The project represents a total investment of approximately USD 950 million and is financed by a group of leading international and regional lenders. It is expected to offset around 1.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
“Good things take time. Monsoon Wind, 14 years in the making, is a tribute to vision, partnership and our commitment to sustainability,” said Paradei Suebma, chairwoman of Monsoon Wind Power. “We recognise the foresight of IES, who originated this project, and extend our deepest appreciation to our management and team… whose unwavering dedication and perseverance turned vision into reality.”
Since construction began in March 2023, the project has generated over 1,600 jobs. In addition to energy generation, it includes a USD 1.1 million annual community development fund aimed at improving education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure in surrounding villages.
Monsoon Wind is considered a flagship initiative under ASEAN cooperation, showcasing the potential of cross-border collaboration in renewable energy development.
