A ceremony marking the operation of a 1,000-MW photovoltaic project developed by China General Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC) is held in Vientiane, Laos, April 7, 2026.(Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

SHENZHEN, April 8 (Xinhua) -- A 1,000-MW photovoltaic project in Laos was connected to the power grid and entered operation on Tuesday, developer China General Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC) announced.

Located in Oudomxay province, the large-scale solar farm is expected to generate 1.65 billion kWh of electricity annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.3 million tonnes per year.

As one of the major solar installations in Laos, located in a mountainous region, the project created nearly 3,000 local jobs at the peak of construction. It also contributed to local infrastructure by repairing roads and reinforcing five bridges, delivering tangible economic and social benefits to the surrounding communities.

On the industrial cooperation front, the project brought together more than 70 enterprises from both China and Laos -- including over 30 Laotian companies involved in construction, equipment supply and raw materials.

CGNPC also supported the establishment of a clean energy power standards research institute in Laos and trained nearly 100 local engineers. Environmental protection measures, such as avoiding construction in sensitive areas and implementing ecological restoration, were adopted to help preserve the natural landscape.

Yang Changli, chairman of CGNPC, said the company will accelerate the development of clean energy projects in Laos, contributing to a closer China-Laos community of shared future through green energy cooperation. ■

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 29, 2025 shows a 1,000-MW photovoltaic project developed by China General Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC) in Oudomxay province, Laos.(CGNPC/Handout via Xinhua)