Nam Ngiep 1 is a 290-megawatt hydropower project under operation in Bolikhamxay and Xaysomboun provinces of the Lao PDR. The project is being operated by the Nam Ngiep 1 Power Company, whose goal is to build a socially and environmentally responsible power project that will provide clean renewable electricity and contribute to poverty reduction in Laos. Two dams and power stations were constructed along the Ngiep River in Bolikhamxay. The main 167-metre-high dam creates a water storage reservoir covering a 67-km² area extending into Xaysomboun province. Around 4,000 people, mainly ethnic Hmong, were resettled to the Houaysoup area of Bolikhamxay and other districts in both Bolihamxay and Xaysomboun provinces to facilitate the creation of the plant. At the main dam site a primary power station generates around 272 MW of electricity for export to Thailand and releases water to a regulating pond where a second dam and power station generates around 18 MW of electricity for local use. The re-regulating dam ensures smooth release of water to minimise the disruption on water levels in the river downstream. Through close cooperation and collaboration with local authorities and all stakeholders, NNP1 successfully relocated Project Affected People in 2018  and is now developing and providing them with a range of livelihood programmes to improve their living conditions. Environmental protection is also crucial to the long-term success of the project and NNP1 has created a dedicated Environmental Management Office to ensure that the project minimizes its local footprint and also contributes to improved conservation measures and environmental awareness on a national scale.

The Nam Ngiep 1 Power Company (NNP1PC), a partnership between KPIC Netherlands (45%), a subsidiary of Japan’s Kansai Electric Power, EGAT International (30%) of Thailand, and the Lao Holding State Enterprise (25%). The company was formed to develop the Nam Ngiep 1 Project after the Lao government requested Japanese assistance in setting up a plant to harness the power potential of the Ngiep River.

The company has its headquarters in the Lao capital, Vientiane, plus the Site Office and Village in Bolikhan District, Bolikhamxay Province and another one in Thathom District, Xaysomboun Province, the lao PDR.

NNP1PC employs engineers, administrative professionals, and social and environmental experts. Most staff are recruited locally in the Lao PDR with some seconded from the shareholders. Company operations and targets are defined by a Concession Agreement with the Lao Government, which has granted a 27-year operating and ownership period to Nam Ngiep 1 Power to run the project following completion of construction.

NNP1PC is dedicated to building an efficient, durable and environmentally-friendly power plant that will assist with national development and also help local people in the project area improve their livelihoods.