Xekong 4 Dams Hydropower Info by Hobo Maps - Go to Hydropower Projects Page - - - Home
Xekong 4A & 4B hydropower projects are also known as Sekong 4A & Sekong 4B
Xekong 4A and 4B Hydroelectric Power Projects are located on the Xe Kong (Sekong) river in Xekong (Sekong) Province of southern Lao PDR. Xekong 4A reservoir is located in Lamam district and Xekong 4B reservoir is located in Kaluem district of Sekong Province.
Xekong 4A & 4B project area map below.
The Xekong 4A & 4B hydropower dam projects are to have a combined power output capacity of 355 MW with average annual power output of 1,600 GWh. At least 90% of the output is planned to be exported to Thailand and the remainder distributed to the Lao local grid.
In year 2026 we are unsure if construction has started. Project construction is hoped to be completed by year 2033 and operate under a concession agreement for 27 years.
The cost for both 4A & 4B projects (combined capacity of 355 MW) is estimated at US$ 1,094 million.
Xekong 4A & 4B sites in topographic map below.
Xekong 4A is a gravity roller-compacted concrete dam 75 meters in height. The powerhouse intake is located on the right side of the dam while the diversion conduit is at the left base of the dam. Full supply level elevation of Xekong 4A reservoir is at 200 meters above sea level. Generating capacity is 175 MW.
The spillway, consisting of 6 separate bays, is located on the central blocks of the dam.
Concept image below for XeKong 4A project.
Xekong 4B is a roller-compacted concrete dam with a a straight axis about 117 meters in height. The powerhouse intake is located on the left side while the diversion conduit is at the right base of the dam. Full supply level elevation of Xekong 4B reservoir is at 291 meters above sea level. Generating capacity is 180 MW.
The spillway, consisting of 4 separate bays, is arranged to be aligned with the river channel.
Concept image below for XeKong 4B project.
Site location coordinates for Xekong 4A are - 15°30'50.4"N 106°47'16.8"E (15.514000, 106.788000) shown as red marker on satellite image below about 30 km north of Sekong town.
Unconfirmed site location coordinates for Xekong 4B are - 15°47'43.7"N 106°45'26.1"E (15.795472, 106.757250) shown as red marker on satellite image below about 50 km by river north of Xekong A HPP site.
Xekong 4A & 4B project History
Prior to 2008, Russian Region Oil Co. Ltd. had signed MOUs with the government of Lao PDR to develop Sekong 4 & 5 but nothing came to construction and the project was apparently cancelled. Any website info prior to 2008 for Sekong 4 & 5 is unreliable and confusing.
In year 2015 the Lao govt. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow a study of the technical & financial feasibility of the Xekong 4A & 4B hydropower projects between the Lao government and Lao World Engineering and Construction Company Limited. The project gained momentum with RATCH Group Public Company Limited and B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited joining as co-developers.
On May 29, 2018, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL in co-operation with B. Grimm Power PCL and Lao World Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. jointly entered into a Project Development Agreement for Xekong 4A & 4B Hydroelectric Power Projects.
On March 8, 2020 an Electricity Price Tariff MOU was signed with Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) at Levelized Tariff rate of 8.03 US Cents per kilowatt hour.
On April 11, 2023 contract negotiations for the Xekong 4A & 4B Dam Project were held.
On December 7, 2023, a new company named Xekong 4 Power Co. Ltd. (XK4) was established to develop and operate the Xekong 4A and 4B Hydroelectric Power Projects - 60% of shares were held by RATCH Group Public Company Limited, 20% held by B.Grimm Power and 20% held by Lao World Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd.
On Dec. 25, 2023, Xekong 4 Power Co., Ltd. signed a power purchase agreement for Xekong 4A and 4B with EGAT for a period of 27 years under a 10,500 MW power cooperation framework MOU between Thailand and Lao PDR.
On Dec. 25, 2023 it was announced that the project’s construction phase is scheduled to begin in 2025. The project is scheduled to open for commercial operation (COD) in 2033.
Team Group carried out the feasibility study and is undertaking the environmental and social impact assessment.
Ownership chart below:
Locations of Xekong 4A and 4B dams shown in upper right part of map below:
XeKong 4A site picture below before construction.
XeKong 4B site picture below before construction.
Although a Power Purchase Agreement was signed for export of most power output to Thailand, we aren't sure of the transmission line route or capacity.
Note: The words "Xe" and "Nam" both mean "river" and a term such as "Nam Xe Kong" is not normally used.
XeKong is pronounced like "Say Kong".