From the morning mist rising between Cangshan and Erhai Lake, to the silver wire tower spanning China and Laos, a power artery is tightly connecting the two countries. Recently, the first plenary session of the China Laos Joint Operation Management Committee was held in Dali, Yunnan. Both sides signed a trial charter, marking a new stage of institutionalization and normalization of cross-border power grid collaborative management.

Establishment of Articles of Association at the Conference

On September 22, 2026, the first plenary session of the China Laos Joint Operations Management Committee was held in Dali, Yunnan. Both parties have signed a trial charter, and the coordinated management of cross-border power grids has entered a stage of institutionalization and normalization, ensuring the stable operation of the China Laos 500 kV interconnection project. The committee is composed of four power units from China and Laos, and has five professional working groups to coordinate cross-border dispatch, power trading, safety control, equipment operation and maintenance, and standardization.

The committee aims to ensure the safety of the power grid, optimize transmission configuration, unify technical standards, and promote the interconnection of the Lancang Mekong power grid. Each member unit must comply with cross-border regulations, submit maintenance plans, implement safety instructions, and conduct regular joint exercises. Wang Fei, Deputy General Manager of Yunnan Power Grid Company of China Southern Power Grid, stated that the committee is an important carrier for pragmatic cooperation between the two sides. All parties will jointly abide by the safety bottom line, release the benefits of interconnection, and continue to deepen mutual trust and cooperation. Bentan Pandora, Deputy General Manager of Laos State Power Company, thanks China for organizing the meeting. With the support of the Chinese side, the reliability of Laos' power grid continues to improve. The 500 kV transmission line, which will be put into operation in April 2026, will significantly enhance its transmission capacity, support energy interconnection and power transmission, and both sides will continue to promote sustainable cross-border power cooperation.

Mechanism architecture clearly defines responsibilities

The liaison office of the committee is located at Nanwang Lancang Mekong International Company. He Ang proposed to deepen coordination in dispatching, improve risk assessment and emergency response, complement power supply during peak and off seasons, and promote standard alignment and joint talent training. Xu Feng, Deputy General Manager of Laos State Grid Corporation, stated that an information sharing mechanism will be established to timely exchange equipment and risk information, achieving a transition from passive disposal to active prevention and control, and relying on joint exercises to safeguard the safety of cross-border channels. At the meeting, both parties discussed technical issues such as isolated network operation and channel reliability, and relevant power plant leaders attended as observers. Both parties have finalized the optimization plan for dry season operation and established six long-term collaborative mechanisms for cross-border power grids. Keywords: China Laos Interconnection, Cross border Power Grid, Energy

Interconnection of power grids promotes win-win outcomes

The China Laos 500 kV Interconnection Project is the first 500 kV cross-border power channel between the two countries. It will be put into operation in April 2026, with a mutual assistance capacity of 1.5 million kilowatts and an annual transmission of about 3 billion kilowatt hours of clean electricity. The establishment of the committee will improve the efficiency of cross-border power grid operation, optimize energy allocation, assist in the construction of a community with a shared future between China and Laos, and provide reference experience for the interconnection of the Lancang Mekong power grid.Editor/Gong Ziwei