(September 20, 2003) The government has suggested that Laos finance the Nam Theun II hydropower project by raising capital through the Asia Bond.
World Bank returns to the infrastructure business
(September 17, 2003) In recent months, under pressure from some of its big borrower countries, and with a realisation that private sector investment has been lacking in critical areas, the bank is returning to the infrastructure business. It says it has learnt from its mistakes. But environmentalist critics are less sure.
Chile Indians end protest against hydro-power dam
(September 17, 2003) Four elderly Indian women who have blocked the construction of a $570 million hydroelectric dam in southern Chile have ended their six-year protest and accepted $1.2 million in exchange for letting power group Endesa flood their ancestral land.
Thai EGAT may cancel plan to buy power from Lao Nam Theun 2
(September 16, 2003) The state Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has given the government of Laos an end-September deadline to provide a new time frame for the development of the Nam Theun 2 hydropower project.
Thailand’s EGCO to meet Chinese bank on Lao dam
(September 15, 2003) Electricity Generating PCL , a key Thai investor in Laos’ $1.1 billion hydropower project, will talk to the China Development Bank about helping fund the scheme and taking a stake in it.
Norway’s Statkraft says Laos group eyes EdF stake
(September 10, 2003) OSLO, Sept 10 (Reuters) – Norway’s state-owned power company Statkraft confirmed on Wednesday that a Laotian partnership in which it has a one-fifth stake is eyeing assets held by Electricite de France [EDF.UL] in a big Laos hydropower project.
Nam Theun 2 draws interest from overseas
(September 10, 2003) Power producers from Norway and Japan are reportedly interested in taking the place of state-owned Electricite{AAC} de France (EDF) in the US$1.2-billion Nam Theun 2 hydropower project in Laos.
Statement on Bujagali – Government/World Bank closed meetings
(September 9, 2003) In the weeks since AES pulled out of the Bujagali Dam project, there has been much confusion over what will happen next, and the long-term implications for the Ugandan energy sector.
Xiaolangdi Power Generating Units Facing Shutdown Amid Sedimentation
(September 2, 2003) Because of rising floodwaters and sediment buildup in the Xiaolangdi Dam reservoir, the hydropower station is now facing shutdown.
Sweden powerless to influence Vietnam’s dam builders, says aid official
(September 1, 2003) A leading donor to Vietnam’s hydropower sector, the Swedish International Development Agency, has no power to influence its client-overnment’s dam building practice, according to a senior aid official.
Laos dam operator hopes France’s EdF will stay
(August 27, 2003) The operator of a $1.1 billion dam scheme in Laos said on Wednesday it still hopes cornerstone investor Electricite de France (EdF), which said last month it was pulling out, will remain a key player in the scheme.
Letter to EDC president re corruption
(August 21, 2003) EDC needs be proactive in weeding out bribe-givers from its list of clients.
Egco mulls provisions
(August 19, 2003) Electricity Generating Plc (Egco) might have to set aside loss provisions to cover investment risks in the US$1.2-billion Nam Theun 2 project given current uncertainties following the withdrawal of Electricite{AAC} de France (EDF) from the Laotian hydropower project.
UPDATE – AES pulls out of $580 million Uganda dam project
(August 13, 2003) Independent power producer AES Corp., has pulled out of a World Bank sponsored dam project in Uganda, raising questions about the future of the controversial plan.
Chile Indians block hydro-electric dam project
(July 28, 2003) RALCO – Four elderly Pehuenche Indian women are blocking completion of a $570 million hydroelectric dam at Ralco in southern Chile, saying it would flood sacred land and destroy their way of life.


