The China-Laos 500-kilovolt power interconnection project, a key energy cooperation initiative under the Belt and Road Initiative, achieved a significant milestone on Thursday as its transmission line was connected across the shared border.
The project stands out for its extensive environmental protection measures implemented while traversing the rainforest habitat of wild Asian elephants.
Scheduled for full operation this year, the project will establish two-way power exchange capacity of 1.5 million kilowatts, enabling the annual transmission of three billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity, and facilitating optimized, large-scale clean energy allocation across the region.
Stretching 177.5 kilometers from northern Laos' Oudomxay Province to southwest China's Yunnan Province, the project's most sensitive segment crosses through protected forests that are home to wild Asian elephants, prompting the project team to prioritize ecological protection from the outset.
To minimize ground disturbance, engineers deployed an aerial transport fleet of drones and helicopters, delivering more than 5,000 tons of materials directly to tower construction sites. This method has reduced environmental impact by over 90 percent compared with traditional road-based construction.
"Using drones and helicopters for transport is an investment in environmental protection and reflects our commitment to high-quality development," said Fu Weibin, deputy manager of the project.
The project also introduced "elephant guardians", specialists who monitor herd movements using a smart warning app, satellite observation systems, and drones to keep both animals and construction crews safe. "Elephant guardians use an early-warning app to basically identify the location of elephant herds. They then combine that with our forest sky-eye monitoring system, video surveillance, and drones to closely track the herd's movements and promptly notify construction personnel," said Wen Ronghui, a technical expert.
Upon completion, the line will serve as a clean energy corridor, integrating hydro and solar power from northern Laos and enhancing electricity exchange between the two countries. It is expected to boost regional power connectivity and support low-carbon growth across the Lancang-Mekong sub-region.
China-Laos green power corridor protects elephant habitat
China-Laos green power corridor protects elephant habitat
