If at some point in the future, the planet decides to build a global network of powerlines – then we’re going to be solar powered 24/7. The sun never sets on Earth – just on you or I personally.
Now, from a geopolitical standpoint – its scary that the world’s largest country has powerlines within your borders, and might have the ability to control the electricity on those powerlines.
It seems Laos’ powergrid is about completely filled with Chinese hydropower. What about Laos’ political structure? Must be a lot like having the United States trolling your water for oil.
SOURCE: Chinese companies have announced investments of $102bn in building or acquiring power transmission infrastructure across 83 projects in Latin America, Africa, Europe and beyond over the past five years, according to RWR. Adding in loans from Chinese institutions for overseas power grid investments brings the total to $123bn.
Throw in all power-related Chinese deals overseas, including investments and loans to power plants as well as grids, and the number almost quadruples. Between 2013 and the end of February 2018, total overseas power transactions announced reached $452bn, up 92 per cent from 2013 levels, according to RWR, which strips out of its calculations deals that are announced only to be subsequently cancelled.