Over the past year, Nam Theun 1 Power Company Limited (NT1PC) has prioritized the environmental impact of its activities in the community area of the Nam Theun 1 Hydropower Project (NT1HPP), which includes Viengthong District and Pakkading District, Bolikhamxay Province. NT1PC made efforts to recruit employees and environmental experts who have technical skills and experience in environmental work to join the environment department. This is to ensure compliance with Lao PDR and international environmental regulations and to achieve positive and sustainable effects.
NT1PC has also integrated international principles, practices, and laws of Lao PDR into its environmental and social management and monitoring plan (ESMMP), which has been developed and supervised by an international consulting company from Switzerland. Most importantly, NT1PC undergoes regular monitoring and inspections by government bodies such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and local organizations.
NT1PC has strictly complied with the obligations specified in the concession agreement. This includes supporting the capacity building of government personnel at central and local levels, providing funds for the establishment of committees responsible for environmental affairs, contributing annually to the Environmental Protection Fund, and carrying out activities such as reforestation and compensating for biodiversity and watershed management.
As a result of our comprehensive approach and close supervision by the Government organizations throughout the past year 2022 – 2023, which was the first year of the official Commercial Operation Date (COD), Nam Theun 1 Power Co., Ltd. was honored to receive an Excellence Certificate (‘A’ Class) for the environmental commitments in the investment project, which was presented by Mr. Saynakhone Inthavong, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The certificate handover ceremony was held at the annual Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Sector Meeting on January 17, 2024, which was represented by Mr. Bounnhang Phengsouvanh, Government Relations Advisor and Executive Committee Member of Nam Theun 1 Power Co., Ltd. Totally, there are a total of 14 investment companies from various sectors that have received excellent (A) certificates, and Nam Theun 1 Power Company Limited is one of 06 hydropower companies that have received excellent (A) certificates this time.
The certificate serves as source of great encouragement to all employees and the management team of Nam Theun 1 Power Co., Ltd. in continuing the company’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting green development. The company is expanding its activities to achieve its vision, which states, “NT1PC, one of the largest Lao Shareholder Hydropower companies, pledges to contribute to Lao PDR’s Green Growth by adhering to international standards, operating environmentally friendly-socially responsible practices, and fostering sustainable impacts.”