2013-01-11 11:03:28 -

(Ban Nahin/Oslo, 11 January 2013) Laotian utility company Theun Hinboun Power
Company (THPC), where Statkraft owns 20 per cent, opened two new power stations
in Laos today.  The two new power stations will, like the existing power plant,
be operated and maintained by Statkraft.

"The expansion project in Laos is a very good example of how we can exploit
large, renewable hydropower resources in combination with sustainable solutions.
With this new power plant, Norwegian hydropower expertise contributes to
profitable, environmentally friendly and sustainable investments
internationally," says President and CEO Christian Rynning-Tønnesen of
Statkraft, who was present during the opening ceremony in Laos.

Today's ceremony marked the opening of two new power plants, a new dam and a new
power line with a total cost of about USD 650 million. The expansion   will double
the production of renewable energy to 3 TWh annually.

The new dam makes it possible to store large volumes of water from the rain
period for power generation in dry periods. At the same time, the construction
has caused some 13 000 people to be relocated or resettled in new villages
established by the project. Both the construction and moving processes have been
carried out in accordance with applicable international standards for
sustainable energy investments and makes a positive contribution to social
development, welfare and economy.

Statkraft owns 20 per cent of THPC, while the Laotian energy company EDL
Generation owns 60 per cent and Thai-based GMS Power owns 20 per cent. The
majority of the power is exported under long-term contracts through own power
lines to Thailand, while a smaller share is distributed through the local
Laotian grid.

Statkraft is Europe's leader in renewable energy. The Group develops and
generates hydropower, wind power, gas power and district heating, and is a major
player on the European energy exchanges. Statkraft has more than 3,200 employees
in more than 20 countries.



For further information:

Spokesman Knut Fjerdingstad, Statkraft AS
+47 901 86 310 knut.fjerdingstad@statkraft.com

 Communications advisor Lars Magnus Günther, international hydropower
+47 91 24 16 36 lars.gunther@statkraft.com




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Source: Statkraft via Thomson Reuters ONE
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