In 2000, over 95% of Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s emissions are caused by Land Use Change and Forestry (LUCF) and the agriculture sector.
The total emissions were reported to be 50,742.91 ktCO2e in that year. However, the country managed to do an overall 34% emissions reduction
between 2000-2020, resulting in a net national GHG emissions to be around 53,000 ktCO2e in 2020.
Lao PDR has several programs under the climate action umbrella. Launched in 2019, the Lao PDR’s National Green Growth Strategy to 2030 addresses the country’s climate change adaptation strategies, aiming to reduce the country’s vulnerability to climate change. Putting in mind the experience of disadvantaged groups, the plan encompasses 4 cross-cutting areas, 7 focused sectors for promotion and 5 supporting sectors. Combating climate change and its impacts also becomes one of the focuses stipulated by the country’s 9th Five-Year National Social-Economic Development Plan 2021-2025.
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| Topic | Title | Year | Issuing Ministry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 2021-2030 Power Development Plan Link to policy is unavailable, but a summary can be found here here |
2021 | MEM |
| Energy | Policy on Sustainable Hydropower Development Decree No. 02/GoL of 2015 (EN) |
2015 | Government of Lao PDR, MEM |
| Energy, Finance | Renewable Energy Development Strategy RE Dev Strategy (EN) |
2011 | Government of Lao PDR |
| Energy | Law on Electricity Law on Electricity (LO) |
2017 | MPI |
| Energy | Law on Minerals Law No. 291/2017 (EN) |
2017 | National Assembly |
| Energy | Decree of the Government on Biofuel Government Decree No. 410/GO of 2016 (LO) |
2016 | Government of Lao PDR |
| Climate | Disaster Risk Management Law Disaster Risk Management Law (LO) |
2019 | Government of Lao PDR |
| Climate | Decree on Climate Change Decree on Climate Change (EN) |
2019 | Government of Lao PDR |
| Climate, Energy, Finance | National Green Growth Strategy to 2030 (EN) |
2019 | Government of Lao PDR |
| Climate | 9th Five Year National Socioeconomic Development Plan 2021-2025 9th Five Year National Socioeconomic Development Plan 2021-2025 (EN) |
2021 | Government of Lao PDR |
| Climate, Finance | National Strategy on Climate Change National Strategy on Climate Change (2023 ed,) (LO) |
2010 | Government of Lao PDR |
| Climate | Environmental Protection Law Law No. 29/NA of 2012 (2013 ed.) (EN unofficial) |
2012 | Government of Lao PDR |
Hydropower and traditional biomass are the major energy sources used in TPES. Nonetheless, in 2015, coal has been added as an energy source and this is also the only fossil fuel type that has been used in the primary supply. The annual growth rate of total primary energy supply (TPES) in BAU from 2019 to 2023 increases by about 3.9% per annum and in the COVID-19 scenario by about 3.1%. Primary consumption of petroleum decreases more than for other fuels (by 2.5%), followed by coal (0.3%), hydro (0.2%), and biomass (0.1%).
Oil products and traditional biomass are the major consumers in TFEC, each accounting for about 40%, compared to electricity, which is only about 13% of the TFEC.
The annual average growth rate (AAGR) of total final energy consumption (TFEC) in BAU from 2019 to 2023 increases by about 4.5% per annum and in the COVID-19 scenario by about 3.2% per annum (Table 10.1). Energy consumption decreases from 3,867.3 kilotonnes of oil equivalent (Ktoe) to 3,681.3 Ktoe in 2023. Solid fuel consumption decreases the most, by 2.8%, followed by petroleum (2.6%), electricity (0.9%), and biomass (0.1%).
The Lao PDR National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy will reduce 10% in 2030 to 20% in 2040 [1].
[1] Lao PDR country profile 2022.
To secure a future where Lao PDR is capable of mitigating and adapting to changing climatic conditions in a way that promotes sustainable economic development, reduces poverty, protects public health and safety, enhances the quality of Lao PDR’s natural environment, and advances the quality of life for all Lao People.
To achieve the above vision, Lao PDR has outlined the following intended mitigation activities to be implemented in 2015 – 2030.
In 2020 it is estimated that national GHG emissions will be around 53,000 ktCO2e, this has been through the reduction of GHG mitigation measures that have been implemented since 2000. Lao PDR achieved a 34% reduction in emissions between 2000 and 2020 compared to the baseline scenario while the GHG emission growth rate during the period can be estimated at around 0.3% on average annually.
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