Hydropower

Laos has tremendous natural hydropower resources. To date, a lot of attention has been given to developing large hydropower projects. Although these projects can yield macro-economic benefits for the country, these projects usually do not directly benefit poor people in remote rural areas.
Small and very small hydropower has received much less attention from the government, multilateral organizations and NGOs. However, pico-hydropower (<5 kW) is very common in remote rural areas, is completely market-driven, and provides many people with an essential source of electricity. An estimated 60,000 low-head picohydropower units provide electricity for about 90,000 households, making it the most important renewable energy technology in the country. Click for more information

Bio-energy

Since 2006 LIRE has been investigating the options for biofuels in Lao-PDR, in terms of local production and usage. There has been a lot of large-scale biofuels projects proposed in Laos mostly lead by outside investors with a view to exporting the biofuels produced to other Asian nations. This approach would appear to have limited benefit to the rural communities in Lao-PDR and not help the Lao PDR meet its national targets to substitute a significant portion of its fuel usage with biofuels.

LIRE is therefore focussed on small-scale biofuels schemes, that are applicable and relevant to rural people; with biofuels as being one part of a diversified rural economy in Lao-PDR.
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Solar / Water Purification

Clean drinking water is a basic human need, and its availability is a critical factor for health and consequently development. By reducing avoidable water borne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera and the suffering inherent in these, people are more able to contribute to their community, and further development becomes possible. This important issue has not been adequately addressed in Laos. 57% of the Lao population in remote areas is without access, or have inadequate access, to clean drinking water, with diarrhoea the main cause of infant mortality besides malaria. Water is drunk directly from rivers and streams without being cleaned, or it is collected and boiled, which can be time consuming and damaging to the environment. Click for more information

Wastewater Treatment

Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS)

Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) is a technical approach rather than merely a technology package. DEWATS applications are based on the principle of low-maintenance since the most important parts of the system work without technical energy inputs and cannot be switched off intentionally. DEWATS applications provide state-of-the-art-technology at affordable prices because all of the materials used for construction are locally available.
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