Nam Chiane 1 Hydropower Project is located at upper reaches of Nam Chiane River which is located at central Laos. The project area is located at the southern slope of Xieng Khouang Plateau, with terrain high in the north and low in the south. The elevation of the damsite zone is generally 900m~1300m, and changes to 500m~450m to the plant site in the south. Nam Chiane River is a tributary of Nam Ngiep River, flowing from the south to the north. The powerhouse is on the left bank of Nam Chiane River, being located at the contact zone where canyon is transiting to alluvial plain. The gross head of the hydropower project is about 600m. Headrace development is employed for the hydropower project, and the project area is located in Xieng Khouang Province.