Laos has launched a renewed effort to transform its energy sector as part of its broader commitment to tackling climate change.
At a national workshop held in Vientiane on 9 May, officials announced the development of a new greenhouse gas emissions inventory focused on the energy sector, with projections extending to 2035. This inventory will provide policymakers with clearer insights into where emissions are highest and where reductions are most urgently needed.
A group photo from the workshop (photo supplied)
The workshop marked the official start of a project to update Laos’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
As part of this effort, Laos also plans to review a lessons-learned report beginning in 2025. The report will take a critical look at past climate actions to identify what has worked, what hasn’t, and how future strategies can be improved.
The country is also committed to drafting an updated energy-sector climate plan, known as NDC 3.0, which will lay out specific goals and actions to cut emissions and boost clean energy.
It will form a key part of Laos’s national climate pledge under the Paris Agreement and be submitted ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil in November 2025.
The event on 9 May, led by the Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion (DEEP) under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, marked the official launch of work on Laos’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The initiative is supported by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Australian Embassy.
In his opening remarks, Khammanh Sopraseurth, Deputy Director General at DEEP, outlined several key challenges facing the energy sector, including rising electricity demand during the dry season, reliance on imported fossil fuels, and the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions while supporting economic growth.
The workshop brought together 48 participants from government ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, development partners, and the media to begin shaping the updated plan.
In the months ahead, GGGI and its partners will carry out further research, hold consultations, and conduct technical assessments.
Their aim is to complete the revised energy sector plan by September 2025, in time for inclusion in Laos’s full NDC 3.0 submission to the United Nations the following month.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Laos-to-Launch-New-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Inventory-Ahead-of-COP30.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-26 09:13:262025-05-15 09:14:53Laos to Launch New Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Ahead of COP30
Authorities in Luang Namtha Province are reviewing plans to restore the Tad Nam Dee Waterfall, a popular natural tourist site, following significant damage caused by last year’s floods from Typhoon Yagi.
The popular eco-tourism site, located just 6 kilometers from Luang Namtha town in Ban Nam Dee village, had attracted over 35,000 visitors in the six months after its official opening in February 2024. However, heavy rainfall in September forced a temporary closure, prompting local officials and stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation efforts.
The Tad Nam Dee Development Company reported that while the site had seen strong interest from both domestic and international tourists, issues such as limited parking and service disruptions were noted even before the weather-related damage.
The restoration plan includes not only repairing the site but also improving nearby infrastructure, including canals, markets, and school facilities. Materials will be provided by the company, with local residents contributing labor.
A timeline for the reopening of Tad Nam Dee has not been finalized, but authorities say restoration is a priority ahead of the next peak tourist season.
Severe Flooding from Typhoon Yagi Devastates Luang Namtha
Typhoon Yagi brought intense rainfall to Luang Namtha Province on 9 September 2024, triggering severe flooding that damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life.
The storm overwhelmed roads, homes, and public services, prompting the military to launch large-scale evacuations and relief operations.
Floodwaters inundated key facilities, including the provincial hospital and airport, forcing airlines to cancel all flights and leaving many residents displaced.
One man lost his life after returning to assist others and being swept away by strong currents.
Military and rescue teams continued to assist those trapped by the floodwaters for days, while medical teams provided emergency aid at Vieng Nuea village and the Provincial Public Security Office.
Across the country, public and private organizations mobilized to support flood victims, with businesses offering donations and logistics firms delivering relief supplies free of charge.
Typhoon Yagi caused widespread destruction across the region, including parts of Vietnam, southern China, and the Philippines.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Namtha-Plans-Restoration-of-Tad-Nam-Dee-Waterfall-After-Storm-Damage.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-23 09:11:252025-05-15 09:13:04Luang Namtha Plans Restoration of Tad Nam Dee Waterfall After Storm Damage
Xieng Khouang Airport, also known as Thong Hai Hin Airport, is expected to reopen in June 2025 after a year of renovation, as its scheduled renovation period concludes.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the airport has been closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 May 2025, a period of 243 days, with operations anticipated to resume in June.
On 2 March, Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project, which began in March 2024.
Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project. 12 March 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)
Key components of the current renovation phase include the refurbishment of the existing runway, a 550-meter extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and the construction of a new taxiway, all set for completion by the end of 2025.
The Russian-funded renovation has included installing electronic scanners and runway lighting, enhancing the radar facility, and upgrading the passenger terminal.
Since 12 June 2020, the administration and operation of the airport have been under the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, having previously been managed by the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. While it now functions primarily as an airbase for the military, the airport continues to support public aviation activities
The improvement initiative began in 2019 when the Lao government first launched plans to upgrade Xieng Khouang Airport.
Once fully completed, this would enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers while supporting national defense requirements.
Laos to Launch New Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Ahead of COP30
Laos has launched a renewed effort to transform its energy sector as part of its broader commitment to tackling climate change.
At a national workshop held in Vientiane on 9 May, officials announced the development of a new greenhouse gas emissions inventory focused on the energy sector, with projections extending to 2035. This inventory will provide policymakers with clearer insights into where emissions are highest and where reductions are most urgently needed.
The workshop marked the official start of a project to update Laos’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
As part of this effort, Laos also plans to review a lessons-learned report beginning in 2025. The report will take a critical look at past climate actions to identify what has worked, what hasn’t, and how future strategies can be improved.
The country is also committed to drafting an updated energy-sector climate plan, known as NDC 3.0, which will lay out specific goals and actions to cut emissions and boost clean energy.
It will form a key part of Laos’s national climate pledge under the Paris Agreement and be submitted ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil in November 2025.
The event on 9 May, led by the Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion (DEEP) under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, marked the official launch of work on Laos’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The initiative is supported by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Australian Embassy.
In his opening remarks, Khammanh Sopraseurth, Deputy Director General at DEEP, outlined several key challenges facing the energy sector, including rising electricity demand during the dry season, reliance on imported fossil fuels, and the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions while supporting economic growth.
The workshop brought together 48 participants from government ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, development partners, and the media to begin shaping the updated plan.
In the months ahead, GGGI and its partners will carry out further research, hold consultations, and conduct technical assessments.
Their aim is to complete the revised energy sector plan by September 2025, in time for inclusion in Laos’s full NDC 3.0 submission to the United Nations the following month.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/14/laos-to-launch-new-greenhouse-gas-emissions-inventory-ahead-of-cop30/
Luang Namtha Plans Restoration of Tad Nam Dee Waterfall After Storm Damage
Authorities in Luang Namtha Province are reviewing plans to restore the Tad Nam Dee Waterfall, a popular natural tourist site, following significant damage caused by last year’s floods from Typhoon Yagi.
The popular eco-tourism site, located just 6 kilometers from Luang Namtha town in Ban Nam Dee village, had attracted over 35,000 visitors in the six months after its official opening in February 2024. However, heavy rainfall in September forced a temporary closure, prompting local officials and stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation efforts.
The Tad Nam Dee Development Company reported that while the site had seen strong interest from both domestic and international tourists, issues such as limited parking and service disruptions were noted even before the weather-related damage.
The restoration plan includes not only repairing the site but also improving nearby infrastructure, including canals, markets, and school facilities. Materials will be provided by the company, with local residents contributing labor.
A timeline for the reopening of Tad Nam Dee has not been finalized, but authorities say restoration is a priority ahead of the next peak tourist season.
Severe Flooding from Typhoon Yagi Devastates Luang Namtha
Typhoon Yagi brought intense rainfall to Luang Namtha Province on 9 September 2024, triggering severe flooding that damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life.
The storm overwhelmed roads, homes, and public services, prompting the military to launch large-scale evacuations and relief operations.
Floodwaters inundated key facilities, including the provincial hospital and airport, forcing airlines to cancel all flights and leaving many residents displaced.
One man lost his life after returning to assist others and being swept away by strong currents.
Military and rescue teams continued to assist those trapped by the floodwaters for days, while medical teams provided emergency aid at Vieng Nuea village and the Provincial Public Security Office.
Across the country, public and private organizations mobilized to support flood victims, with businesses offering donations and logistics firms delivering relief supplies free of charge.
Typhoon Yagi caused widespread destruction across the region, including parts of Vietnam, southern China, and the Philippines.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/13/luang-namtha-plans-restoration-of-tad-nam-dee-waterfall-after-storm-damage/
Xieng Khouang Airport to Reopen in June, Defense Ministry Says
Xieng Khouang Airport, also known as Thong Hai Hin Airport, is expected to reopen in June 2025 after a year of renovation, as its scheduled renovation period concludes.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the airport has been closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 May 2025, a period of 243 days, with operations anticipated to resume in June.
On 2 March, Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project, which began in March 2024.
Key components of the current renovation phase include the refurbishment of the existing runway, a 550-meter extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and the construction of a new taxiway, all set for completion by the end of 2025.
The Russian-funded renovation has included installing electronic scanners and runway lighting, enhancing the radar facility, and upgrading the passenger terminal.
Since 12 June 2020, the administration and operation of the airport have been under the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, having previously been managed by the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. While it now functions primarily as an airbase for the military, the airport continues to support public aviation activities
The improvement initiative began in 2019 when the Lao government first launched plans to upgrade Xieng Khouang Airport.
Once fully completed, this would enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers while supporting national defense requirements.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/12/xieng-khouang-airport-to-reopen-in-june-defense-ministry-says/