The largest single photovoltaic project in Southeast Asia, developed by China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), was connected to the grid for power generation on Tuesday in Laos' Oudomxay Province, marking a major milestone in the region's transition to green energy.
The 1-gigawatt (GW) project is Laos' first large-scale mountain-based solar farm and also the CGN's first overseas 1‑GW-class clean energy project independently planned and developed.
It is expected to generate 1.65 billion kWh annually, saving about 500,000 tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.3 million tons per year.
"We have installed around 2.23 million solar panels at this power station. Through the 500-kilovolt China-Laos cross-border transmission line, the station enables power connectivity, providing stable and clean electricity for Laos' development while supporting regional energy complementarity," said Wang Yang, head of production and operations at CGN Energy Technology (Laos) Co., Ltd..
As the first phase of a clean energy base being jointly built by China and Laos in the northern part of the country, this project will help transform Laos' natural advantages into economic strengths, expand cross-border power sharing, and facilitate resource complementarity, market synergy, and industrial collaboration between the two neighbors.
The project has brought together more than 40 Chinese companies from the new energy manufacturing and construction sectors, along with more than 30 Lao firms involved in local construction, machinery supply, and raw material sourcing.
It is reported that the CGN will accelerate the implementation of additional clean energy projects in Laos' five northern provinces, expand into central and southern markets, and further promote broader connectivity between China and Laos.
China-developed photovoltaic project begins operation in Laos
Residents in the Iranian capital Tehran have welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached with the United States, but also voiced concerns over how long it might hold.
After some 40 days of deadly clashes, the United States and Iran on Wednesday agreed to a two-week ceasefire, and committed to begin a new round of peace consultations in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on Friday.
On Wednesday afternoon, the number of vehicles and pedestrians in Tehran had increased significantly from previous days, and many shops that had been closed during the war were gradually reopening.
Tehran residents said they hoped that the ceasefire will hold and peace and stability will be restored.
"I am truly pleased to see so many people on the streets. The number of people is two to three times that of the previous days, which really makes me happy," said resident Hesam.
Many Iranians said that they support any action that serves Iran's national interests, but said they do not trust the U.S. as a negotiating partner following previous rounds of talks.
"A ceasefire is a good thing as long as it serves the interests of the Iranian people. However, we have already negotiated with the United States several times without reaching an agreement. If a ceasefire is merely a continuation of these fruitless negotiations, then it is meaningless. But we must continue negotiations so that the other side understands Iran's specific demands. All the terms proposed by Iran should be implemented; only under these circumstances will a ceasefire be a good thing," said Jafar.
The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday failed to adopt a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz. Eleven members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution, China and Russia voted against it, while Colombia and Pakistan abstained.
Ibrahim, a Tehran resident, said that China's action reflected its image as a responsible major power.
"It is a very good thing if a powerful country can play its role in the Middle East situation, and a major country like China has made its voice heard," he said.
Tehran residents welcome ceasefire with U.S. but concerns remain
