Vientiane, 25 March 2025 — In support of Lao PDR’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Projected (ACCEPT) Phase II supported the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) of Lao PDR in launching a report entitled “An Energy Sector Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions for Lao PDR”, in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 25 March 2025.

Often referred to as the “Battery of Southeast Asia” due to its abundant hydropower resources, Lao PDR has long been a regional leader in clean energy exports. However, as climate patterns shift and the need for energy diversification grows, reliance on hydropower alone is no longer sufficient. Lao PDR’s abundant wind, solar, and biomass resources offer an opportunity to enhance energy security and sustainability while advancing low-carbon transition.

Hence, this report was developed to analyse the pathways in pursuing a net zero future for Lao PDR. Using energy modelling, it presents strategic insights and examines two scenarios—the Baseline Scenario and Net Zero Scenario—while addressing key challenges and opportunities to support Lao PDR’s energy transition journey. It explores potential national pathways for Lao PDR to reduce emissions through a range of technological approaches, including renewable energy and emerging low-carbon technologies.

The launching  was held back-to-back with the dissemination event for the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8) – ACE’s flagship publication – which was officially unveiled at the 42^nd  ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) under Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2024.

Approximately 40 representatives from Lao PDR’s government agencies, academic institutions, and state-owned enterprises were convened. Participants actively contributed to a panel discussion focused on enhancing regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and intergovernmental collaboration to achieve national and regional climate goals.

Aldilla Noor Rakhiemah, Project Manager of ACCEPT II, represented the project in officiating the launch of the report alongside Dr Santisouk Phimphachanh, Senior Official on Energy (SOE) Leader of Lao PDR and Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Manager of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) Department at ACE.

Contents of the report were then disseminated through a launching presentation conducted by Muhammad Rizki Kresnawan, Senior Research Analyst of ACCEPT II. He highlighted Lao PDR’s economic context, energy needs, and climate commitment. With the growing needs of the country’s energy supply, he emphasised the need to bridge the energy transition and the country’s net zero ambition. However, some cross-cutting issues in achieving Lao Net Zero by 2050 existed, such as Lao’s economic challenges, energy market complexities, power trade, the double-edged sword of Lao hydropower, and regional cooperation. With the existing challenges and opportunities, he highlighted some policy recommendations to achieve the net zero goal while fulfilling the country’s energy demands.

Following this presentation, the Panel Discussion on Lao Net Zero Roadmap took place, moderated by Aldilla, which featured panellists including Muhammad Rizki Kresnawan; Boualom Saysanavong, Director of Biomass Energy Promotion Division, Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion, MEM of Lao PDR; Chitpanya Phamisith, Manager of Power System Planning, Électricité du Laos; and Dr Phoummixay Siharath from the Department of Environmental Engineering, NUOL.

The significance of the event and its key messages attracted attention from Lao local media, which widely covered the proceedings through various platforms:

• Vientiane Mai: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15BEsz8ZgD/
• Vientiane Times:  https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/sub-new/Business/Business_059_Asean_y25.php
• LNTV https://www.youtube.com/live/rkBsFI73acs?si=tbnkuckrJEBDk2nA
• Pasason: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ACNGxoSN7/
• KPL: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15y9qEdjmG/
• Socio–Economic https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Ek13Z2rF/
• TV9: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/196kY4CMTV/
• Laotian Times: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/25/asean-center-for-energy-launches-net-zero-emissions-roadmap-for-laos/

Moving forward, ACCEPT will continue to support AMS in advancing energy transition and achieving their net zero target through evidence-based policy recommendations and capacity building initiatives. Building on the momentum of this Lao Net Zero Report, ACCEPT reaffirms its commitment in strengthening regional collaboration to accelerate ASEAN’s journey toward a carbon neutral future.