Under the background of accelerated global energy transformation and increasingly close international energy cooperation, PowerChina continues to make efforts in the overseas energy market with its profound technology accumulation and rich project experience.

Recently, PowerChina International Engineering Co., Ltd., PowerChina (laos) Co., Ltd. and Laos' Balai Power Co., Ltd. successfully signed the EPC contract for Laos' Balai 770mw hydropower station project. This major move not only added a heavy touch to PowerChina's overseas business map, but also marked that the cooperation between China and Laos in the field of energy has reached a new height.

Building a complete energy system

The project is located in Balai County, sayyaburi Province, Laos, in the middle reaches of the Mekong River, with superior geographical location and outstanding strategic significance. With a total installed capacity of 770 MW, it is planned to install 14 bulb tubular units with a single unit capacity of 55 MW, which will be promoted by the EPC mode. The total construction period is planned to be 84 months (about 7 years). It is expected to be put into commercial operation around 2032. After completion, it will become a highly influential clean energy project in Laos.

As the EPC general contractor, the two companies under PowerChina will coordinate the whole life cycle construction of the project, and be responsible for the survey and design, construction, equipment procurement, installation and commissioning and other core work. The scope of construction covers the main works of the hydropower station, supporting booster stations, 500kV power transmission and transformation lines and other key ancillary facilities, building an integrated power generation and transmission energy system to ensure the safe, efficient and stable operation of the project.

At present, the preparatory work for the project has been carried out in an orderly manner, and the key links of bidding and procurement have been gradually started. Due to the adoption of EPC general contracting mode, the overall survey and design will be implemented by PowerChina without separate bidding to ensure the seamless connection between design and construction. In terms of equipment procurement, the procurement of some core key equipment has been initiated first. PowerChina Third Bureau of hydropower issued the procurement announcement of hydraulic open-pit drilling rig on November 14, 2025 and the procurement announcement of crusher on December 10, 2025, gradually improving the procurement layout.

The signing and promotion of the Palai 770mw hydropower project in Laos is a vivid practice for PowerChina to actively implement the belt and road initiative and promote international energy cooperation. With the gradual implementation of the project, it will not only bring stable and reliable clean energy to Laos and promote local economic and social development, but also accumulate valuable overseas project experience for PowerChina and enhance its competitiveness in the international energy market.Editor/chengliting