The British Embassy to Vientiane has signed a grant with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to conduct a Pre-Feasibility Study on a Battery Swapping System for Electric 2-Wheelers (motorbikes) in the Lao PDR.
British Ambassador to Laos John Pearson , Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Laos Christophe Assicot, and Deputy Director General of Planning Department, Ministry of Planning and Investment Oula Somchanmavong delivered opening and welcoming remarks at the signing ceremony taking place on Feb 2 at Crowne Plaza hotel in Vientiane.
The study will examine the financial viability and environmental sustainability of implementing a Battery Swapping System model for electric two-wheelers in Vientiane and effort to contribute to achieve the Government of Lao PDR’s 2030 target on 30% electric vehicles penetration.
Mr. Somchanmavong said, “This collaboration will significantly contribute to the implementation of the 9th NSEDP, the National Green Growth Strategy and the Paris Agreement on climate change and the realization of the National Agenda on Economic and Financial Affairs by reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports and thereby improving economic stabilization.” Ambassador John Pearson said that “electrification of the transport sector makes perfect sense in the Lao context, as the country would be able to benefit from untapped, low-cost domestic renewable energy resources at the moment it has to import all petroleum fuel”.
Mr. Christophe Assicot said, “Led by global market leaders such as Gogoro, we are observing a rapid development of battery swapping systems as the adequate solution to accelerate the transition to e-mobility in the 2-wheelers segment, which is the primary mode of transport in Laos.”
The signing ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials from relevant ministries, including Vice Minister of Planning and Investment Phonevanh Outhavong, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Phouvong Luangxaysana, Vice Mayor of Vientiane Phoukhong Bannavong, and representatives for Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and EDL.
The results from this pre-feasibility study will be consolidated into a final report and the findings will be presented to key stakeholders by the end of March 2022.
Source: Lao News Agency
