Dams and reservoirs in Laos

Dams and reservoirs in Laos are the cornerstone of the Lao government's goal of becoming the "battery of Asia".Hydroelectric power is a significant resource in Laos, with an estimated technically exploitable capacity of 18,000 megawatts. In fiscal year September 2013–October 2014, Lao hydro power plants generated almost 15.5 billion kWh. Of this amount, nearly 12.5 billion kWh was exported, earning the country over US$610 million.

By November 2014, just over 3,240 MW of the country’s hydro power potential had been commissioned. Most existing and potential dams are on tributaries of Laos's main river, the Mekong, and work has now commenced on two dams on the mainstream of the Mekong itself at Xayaboury and Don Sahong. The country's earliest major dam was built on the Ngum River in Vientiane Province, for the Nam Ngum 1 Hydropower plant.