With support of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Mekong Institute (MI) organized a training program on ‘Hydropower Project Construction and Power System Operation Management in the GMS’ at MI. The training takes place from February 6 to 8, 2017 at the MI facility in Khon Kaen, Thailand, bringing together ten government officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Lao PDR, for an in-classroom training and structured learning visit to Chulaporn Dam. 

The training is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills on the hydropower technology, and strengthen participants’ capacity on planning, construction and operation management of hydropower projects. 

One of the Greater Mekong Sub-regions’ (GMS) key issues is the lack of adequate energy supply. Hydropower is the most significant energy resource in the GMS, but only a minor share of the total potential has been harnessed so far. There are great differences between the GMS countries both in terms of electricity demand and potential supply. However, in general, the energy supply is inadequate to satisfy the needs of basic development. In many countries, electrification is still at a very low level. the rural population lacks electricity, which would be needed to improve living conditions and agricultural production. Hydropower is an important component in bringing electricity to the region.