EDF Reports Construction Milestone at Nam Theun-2 Hydro Station

French energy major EDF has reported that the construction of the 1070MW Nam Theun-2 hydroelectric power station in Laos, has just reached a decisive stage with the commencement of filling of the 3.5 billion cubic meter reservoir on the Nakai plateau, which is intended to supply the future power station.

The Nam Theun river diversion tunnel has been closed to allow the start of the gradual process of filling the reservoir during the rainy season.

The project, which is now reported to be 85% complete, will reach the next phase at the beginning of summer 2008, with the closure of the dam’s floodgates.

EDF noted that this project is essential to secure supplies of electricity in Laos and Thailand, and is expected to be brought into operation at the end of 2009. The Nam Theun-2 Power Company, a 35% subsidiary of the EDF Group, is the owner and future operator of the power station.

Additionally, during the reservoir filling phase, EDF will create and operate a laboratory for analyzing and monitoring the water quality which will allow it to further its knowledge with regard to the management of hydraulic reservoirs in tropical areas.