On February 11, 2026, in Vientiane, Sao Mai Wind Power Joint Stock Company (a member of Sao Mai Group – ASM) and the Investment Promotion & Management Committee of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the feasibility study and survey of a 300 MW wind power project for export to Vietnam in Nong Het district, Xieng Khouang province (Northern Laos). The event was held in a solemn ceremony with the presence of representatives from both sides.
On the Lao Government side: Mr. Vaththana NORLINTHA – Chief of the Office of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, along with leaders from various ministries and departments, and leaders from Xieng Khouang province.
On the Investor side: Mr. Le Tuan Anh – General Director of Sao Mai Group, Mr. Le Nguyen Hoang Anh Duy – General Director of Sao Mai Wind Power, and the leadership team of Sao Mai Group.
This event marks a significant milestone in Sao Mai Group’s international expansion strategy in the renewable energy sector, affirming its position as a leading renewable energy investor in the region with a mega-project totaling approximately US$450 million.
Unlocking the Potential of “White Gold” in the Northern Lao Highlands
The project is being implemented on a surveyed area of 17,920 hectares in Nong Het district. This is a crucial gateway for trade, possessing a plateau topography with ideal natural wind corridors. Nong Het district is located right on the eastern border of Laos, directly adjacent to Ky Son, Nghe An Province of Vietnam. The center of Nong Het district is only 15-20 km by road from the Nam Can International Border Gate (Vietnam-Laos border). This is an extremely short distance, creating a significant advantage for transporting equipment for project implementation.
By applying the “Build – Own – Operate (BOO)” model, Sao Mai Group is committed to bringing the most advanced wind turbine technology to transform the inexhaustible resources in Northern Laos into sustainable clean electricity, serving the goal of ensuring energy security for Vietnam. In particular, the project also makes a very important contribution to relieving the electricity capacity constraints serving the northern market of Vietnam during the dry season.
Strategic Location: Direct Power Supply to Provinces of Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam faces a high risk of power shortages during the dry season (April-July) due to a sharp increase in demand (10-13% annually), while water levels in hydropower reservoirs are low and intense heat persists. The risk of power shortages could reach 1,770-2,000 MW, especially during peak hours. With its advantageous location bordering Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces, Sao Mai wind power will provide a large and stable power source for northern Vietnam provinces amidst this power shortage.
Strategic Model: Clean Energy Combined with High-Tech Tourism
The biggest difference of Sao Mai Group is its innovative thinking. It doesn’t rely solely on pure electricity production but also creates “technological wonders”.
Building on the success of An Hao Solar Farm over the years, Sao Mai Group has demonstrated masterful capabilities by transforming a solar power plant into a renowned eco-tourism destination. Here, the “rawness” of the solar panels has been harmoniously integrated with the natural landscape, creating a unique green tourism destination that attracts millions of visitors.
In Xieng Khouang, inheriting that same spirit, Sao Mai Group’s vision isn’t simply to erect wind turbines to produce clean electricity, but to transform the area into a world-class “wind tourism ecosystem.” The vast wind farms will become an aesthetic highlight on the Lao tourism map, opening a new chapter for integrated economic models in the region.
Humanitarian Commitment: Creating Sustainability for Indigenous Communities
With the spirit of “investing for mutual development,” the project will attract and create jobs for hundreds of workers, from local unskilled laborers to international experts and high-tech engineers, making a significant contribution to the goal of sustainable poverty reduction in the Nong Het plateau.
Social Responsibility: Even during the survey phase, Sao Mai Wind Power commits to contributing funds to social development, education, and environmental protection funds in Xieng Khouang province.
Heritage Preservation: The survey process is conducted with the strictest standards to protect the protective forests, conservation forests, and the long-standing agricultural land of the local people.
Affirming the Significance of the Special Friendship
More than just an economic calculation, the US$450 million Nong Het wind power project by Sao Mai Group is a vivid concrete manifestation of the energy cooperation agreement signed by the governments of the two countries, contributing to further strengthening the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos in the green era.
Sao Mai Group’s expansion into Northern Laos affirms that the Group is not following the crowd but is instead exploring a completely new market with enormous wind potential but still largely untouched by international energy investors. This demonstrates the absolute trust the Lao government places in Sao Mai Group’s capabilities, reputation, and commitment to integrity and sustainable values.
