From the ridgelines of southern Lao PDR, 133 wind turbines are now delivering clean electricity directly into Vietnam, marking a historic milestone for the region. The Monsoon Wind Power Project, which reached commercial operation on 22 August 2025, is the first wind farm in Laos and the first renewable energy project in Asia to export power internationally. At 600 MW, it also ranks as Southeast Asia’s largest onshore wind installation.
Completed four months ahead of schedule after 27 months of construction, the project represents a breakthrough in both national energy planning and regional cooperation. It diversifies Laos’ energy mix beyond hydropower while providing Vietnam with a reliable source of clean electricity amid surging demand.
Regional Integration Through Infrastructure
The wind farm spans the Dak Cheung and Sanxay districts in southern Laos. Power generated at the site is routed through four substations, stepped up to 500 kV, and transmitted via a 27-kilometre line to the Lao–Vietnam border. From there, it connects to Vietnam’s 500 kV network and continues to EVN’s Thanh My substation, feeding directly into the national grid.
By demonstrating that cross-border renewable projects can be technically and commercially viable, Monsoon Wind reinforces ambitions for the ASEAN Power Grid, a long-standing vision for shared regional energy security.
Consortium Collaboration and Financing
Monsoon Wind is developed and operated by Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited, a Lao-incorporated entity backed by a multinational consortium. Partners include Impact Electrons Siam, ACEN (Philippines), BCPG and STP&I (Thailand), Mitsubishi Corporation and Diamond Generating Asia, and Lao-based SMP Consultation.
The project was financed by a mix of regional and international lenders, including the Asian Development Bank (lead arranger), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Export–Import Bank of Thailand, Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Kasikornbank, and Siam Commercial Bank. PowerChina led construction, while Envision Energy supplied the turbines.
This collaboration highlights growing confidence in cross-border renewable infrastructure as a source of stable returns while advancing climate goals.
Perspectives from Project Leaders
“This is a proud and historic moment for our company, our partners, and the region,” said Nat Hutanuwatr, Managing Director of Monsoon Wind Power. He highlighted the project’s decade-long journey from feasibility studies to full-scale delivery and thanked governments, financiers, and local communities for their support.
Chairwoman Paradai Suebma noted the project was “14 years in the making,” calling it both a testament to long-term vision and a practical example of ASEAN nations collaborating on climate-aligned growth.
Community Development and ESG Commitment
Construction was completed without resettlement, in line with international environmental and social safeguard standards. Developers have committed $1.1 million annually for community programs, including scholarships, mobile healthcare services, and coffee-based livelihood initiatives.
By combining local development with regional power generation, Monsoon Wind demonstrates that utility-scale infrastructure can deliver both energy security and tangible social benefits.
Implications for Investors and Policymakers
For investors, Monsoon Wind’s ahead-of-schedule completion and stable long-term offtake into Vietnam strengthen the case for cross-border renewables as bankable assets. For policymakers, the project exemplifies how infrastructure can provide dual benefits: diversifying domestic energy sources while enhancing regional integration.
The project is expected to avoid 1.3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting commitments under the Paris Agreement and offering a replicable model for future ASEAN energy initiatives.
Regional and Global Significance
Monsoon Wind is reshaping expectations for Southeast Asia’s power sector. By moving beyond single-country, single-technology projects, it broadens options for grid balancing, investment attraction, and decarbonization acceleration. 
For global ESG and climate finance stakeholders, the project shows that the combination of governance support, blended finance, and multinational partnerships can unlock frontier renewable projects at scale. What began as a speculative concept in 2011 now serves as evidence that shared infrastructure can anchor the energy transition in Asia’s rapidly growing economies.
