Modelling the energy-transport-land nexus: a CLEWs-based assessment on renewable energy pathways in Lao PDR
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Felia, Syaza Nadya
Abeysundara, Kavya
Plazas-Niño, Fernando
Howells, Mark
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Laos’ updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) prioritises decarbonisation of transport sector, yet progress is challenged by Laos’ reliance on imported petroleum for transport. This prompts government efforts to promote biofuels and electric vehicles (EVs). This study applies the CLEWs (Climate, Land, Energy, and Water systems) framework within the Open-Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) to assess interlinkages between renewable energy, transport, and land-use in Laos over the 2020-2050 period. Four national-strategy based scenarios were modelled: (i) baseline least-cost, (ii) 10% biofuel share, (iii) combined biofuel and EV targets (30% penetration among cars and 2-3 wheelers within total vehicle fleet), and (iv) combined policy scenario with cropland constraint. Results show that hydropower remains the dominant electricity source in all scenarios, supplying 96% of the 298–310 PJ total generation by 2050. Combining all policy measures resulted in electricity accounting for 76% of total transport energy consumption (29.77 PJ) and the lowest greenhouse gas emissions (17.91 MtCO₂e). However, this approach introduced agriculture competition which limits domestic food crop and biofuel feedstock production. Biofuels are found to be policy-driven rather than cost-optimal, while a 30% EV target for cars is economically feasible but requires policy intervention for 2-3 wheelers. The study suggests supporting the target with land allocation for biofuel crops, biofuel feedstock diversification, and incentives for EV. Overall, findings underscore the need for integrated policy planning within the CLEWs nexus to guide future national strategies.
Date Issued
2026-12-01
Date Acceptance
2026-07-23
Citation
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition, 2026, 10
ISSN
2667-095X
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition
Volume
10
Copyright Statement
©2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Identifier
10.1016/j.rset.2026.100163
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
100163
Date Publish Online
2026-07-23