The Pak Beng Hydropower Project, developed by China Datang Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. (CDTO) in Laos, was recently granted the Hydro Deal of the Year, APAC award by IJGlobal, recognizing its outstanding achievements in cross-border financing structure innovation, compliance management, and sustainable development.

Organized by IJGlobal, a globally recognized infrastructure finance data and intelligence platform, the IJGlobal Awards honor exemplary projects in infrastructure investment and financing worldwide.

The judging panel comprises senior experts from leading global investment banks, multilateral financial institutions, and professional law firms, with evaluations focusing on transaction structure innovation, cross-jurisdictional compliance, environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, and market impact.

The award represents international recognition of China Datang's professional approach to financing and operating large-scale overseas hydropower projects, as well as its capabilities in global business development.

Located in Oudomxay Province, Laos, the Pak Beng Hydropower Project has an installed capacity of 912 megawatts and is one of the key energy projects under the Lao government's 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2025).

Amid accelerating global energy transition and an increasingly complex environment for cross-border infrastructure investment and financing, the project provides a valuable and replicable model for overseas project financing, including non-recourse and limited-recourse financing structures, as well as compliance management across multiple legal jurisdictions, according to industry experts.

Looking ahead, China Datang will continue to uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, deepen its presence in Southeast Asia's clean energy sector, and enhance the quality and efficiency of its international operations.

CDTO will further strengthen its cross-border investment and financing capabilities, explore innovative approaches to green finance, and support regional energy connectivity through high-standard and sustainable project development, contributing to the global transition toward a greener, low-carbon future.