The current operation of the Nam Theun 2 hydroelectricity plant in the central province of Khammuan is fully legal. The World Bank issued a public statement yesterday confirming that the current operation of the largest hydroelectricity power plant in Laos is consistent with the project’s legal agreements and operating plans. International Rivers, an international NGO, claimed this week that the operation of the 1.088 MW electricity generating facility was illegal since the project owners were unable to provide the resettled community with irrigated farmland before the plant began selling electricity to Thailand. The Nam Theun 2 Power of 1.000 MW of electricity to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand at commercial rates last week after several months of postponement. In the statement, the World Bank said the start of electricity generation has two immediate outcomes. First, it enhances the project’s social and environmental benefits to the affected people. Second, revenues generated will be used by the government for pro-poor programmes in education, health, and rural development, as well as for environmental protection. Nam Theun 2 is an important development endevour in Laos’ long-term ambitions. Over the next 25 years, the NT 2 project will generate nearly US$2 billion in revenue for pro-poor and environment programmes across the country.
Source: Vientiane Times
