From 26 to 28 January 2026, the French Ambassador to the Lao PDR, H.E. Ms. Bénédicte Deschamps, undertook an official site visit to the Nam Theun 2 project, highlighting the long‑standing Franco‑Lao cooperation in support of sustainable development, renewable energy, and community‑based initiatives in Laos, especially in Khammouane Province.
Showcasing a flagship hydropower project
The visit program included a comprehensive tour of Nam Theun 2’s core infrastructure, with the hydroelectric power plant and the Visitor Center, where the Ambassador was briefed on the project’s operations, safety standards, and long‑term performance as a benchmark for sustainable hydropower development in Lao PDR.
A visit to the Nakai Reservoir provided an overview of reservoir management and its role in electricity generation, environmental stewardship, and regional development. These exchanges underlined the importance of maintaining high operational and environmental standards throughout the remaining concession period.
Focus on future energy and innovation
As part of the program, the Ambassador visited the Mofai project site, where presentations highlighted ongoing and future initiatives linked to energy transition and innovation. The visit illustrated how existing infrastructure and expertise at Nam Theun 2 continue to support forward‑looking solutions in the energy sector.
The delegation also visited the CIREN Laboratory at the Wooden Guesthouse, emphasizing the role of research, knowledge‑sharing, and scientific cooperation in supporting evidence‑based decision‑making and sustainable resource management.
Community development and social infrastructure
A key component of the visit was engagement with local communities and social development projects supported in the project area. The Ambassador visited the Gnommalath Tai irrigation system, highlighting the importance of water management infrastructure for local livelihoods and agricultural resilience.
In Ban Done village, the delegation visited Ban Done Primary School, where school‑based support initiatives were presented, followed by a visit to the Sop‑On Health Center, showcasing access to essential healthcare services for surrounding communities.
The visit concluded with an exchange at Thaphaiban handicraft shop, featuring local craft initiatives that demonstrate income‑generation opportunities and the preservation of traditional skills supported through community development programs.
Strengthening partnerships and cooperation
Throughout the three‑day visit, the French Ambassador held meetings with Khammouane and Nakai authorities, as well as key project partners, including the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Research Institute for Development (IRD), EDF, and Nam Theun 2 Power Company. These discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to sustainable development, institutional cooperation, and long‑term socio‑economic benefits for Lao PDR.
A symbol of enduring Franco‑Lao collaboration
The official visit underscored France’s continued engagement in supporting major infrastructure projects that combine clean energy production, environmental and social responsibility, and local development. Nam Theun 2 remains a symbol of enduring Franco‑Lao collaboration and a reference project for sustainable hydropower development in the region.
