Vientiane: The Nam Ngum 3 Hydropower Plant project is currently over 80% complete and is expected to be operational and begin generating electricity in early 2027. Once finished, it will be the tallest rockfill dam in ASEAN at 210 meters. The project spans three districts across two provinces – Phoukoud district in Xieng Khuang Province, and Anouvong and Long Cheng districts in Xaysomboun Province.

According to Lao News Agency, construction on the Nam Ngum 3 Hydropower Plant began in 2013. The initial plans aimed for project completion and power generation to start in 2021. However, financial challenges caused delays, temporarily halting the project. Despite these setbacks, construction resumed late last year.

The Nam Ngum 3 Hydropower Plant will have a total installed generation capacity of 480 MW and is projected to generate 2,345 GWh of electricity per year. The project aims to enhance the country’s energy stability by supplying electricity for domestic consumption.