A state-of-the-art planning tool is to be installed at the Ministry of Energy and Mines following donation of funding by major hydropower operators.

A digital sand table that can project three-dimensional views and live information feeds from all of the country’s hydropower dams is being installed at a viewing theatre in the ministry to give officials a clearer understanding of the conditions at each project.

Hydropower operators are being asked to submit technical information on the designs and operating regimes of their facilities, including information on any resettlement required along with details of livelihoods programs and environmental mitigation actions.

On August 12 the Theun-Hinboun Power Company (THPC) presented a cheque for US$20,000 to the Vice Minister of Energy and Mines, Viraphonh Viravong, to help fund the installation of the new equipment, which the ministry has sourced from China.