Southeast Asia is set to welcome its largest onshore wind farm, Monsoon Wind, which will also be the region's first cross-border wind power plant. The project, owned by Thailand-based Impact Energy Asia Development, is currently under construction in the Sekong and Attapeu provinces in southeastern Laos, at an elevation of 1,200-1,600 meters above sea level. The 600-megawatt wind farm, consisting of 133 turbines, will provide clean energy to central Vietnam for 25 years through a 500kV transmission line.
According to Monsoon's website, the total cost of the project is $950 million, of which $692 million was raised in financing by shareholders, including Japan's Mitsubishi Corp, in March 2023. The wind farm is expected to be operational in 2025.
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While hydroelectricity currently accounts for 70% of total power generation in Laos, the country is actively working on diversifying its energy mix. Landlocked Laos, with an export-oriented energy policy, aims to establish itself as the “battery of Southeast Asia” by exporting power to its neighboring countries. With at least 10 onshore wind projects in the planning stages, Laos is set to become a key player in the region's renewable energy landscape.
The significance of Monsoon Wind cannot be overstated, as it marks the region's first cross-border wind power project, paving the way for more such initiatives in the future. Moreover, the project will contribute significantly to the region's clean energy goals, which are critical to mitigating the effects of climate change. As Southeast Asia continues to invest in renewable energy, Monsoon Wind serves as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future.
