Hydropower plants struggle to operate in hot season

In early May, due to the influence of cold air, the water flow to the reservoir of Ho Ho Hydropower Plant (located in Huong Khe district) has improved compared to before. However, in general, the current water level at the plant's reservoir is still low, affecting the operation of the generators.

The water level of Ho Ho Hydropower Plant reservoir is currently 69.45m.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Tuan - Deputy Director of Ho Ho Hydropower Plant said: "From April onwards, the water level in the reservoir has tended to decrease and is currently 69.45m. With this water level, the plant can only generate enough electricity during peak hours to improve power generation efficiency and support regional voltage stability. According to instructions from superiors, the plant prioritizes generating electricity in the morning, from 9:30-11:30 am and in the evening, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. Accordingly, each day, the plant operates for about 5 hours, with an electricity output of about 78,000 kWh. In the first 4 months of the year, the plant has produced more than 7.6 million kWh, with revenue reaching nearly 20 billion VND".

In parallel with the power generation operation, Ho Ho Hydropower Plant also proactively monitors rainfall and water flow into the lake at each time to develop an operating plan to ensure safety for the project and downstream areas. In 2025, the plant strives to complete the production target of 35.2 million kWh, with revenue of about 53.4 billion VND.

Since mid-March 2025, Huong Son Hydropower Plant and Huong Son 2 Hydropower Plant (located in Son Kim 1 commune, Huong Son), belonging to Huong Son Hydropower Joint Stock Company, have faced difficulties when the water level in the Cold Water reservoir has continuously dropped.

Operation engineer at Huong Son 2 Hydropower Plant.

Mr. Ngo Xuan Manh - Plant Manager said: “Hydropower plants operate entirely dependent on the water flow to the reservoir and the water supply to the hydropower reservoir depends on the rainfall in the basin. Compared to the same period last year, this year, the water level of the Cold Water Reservoir has decreased rapidly and this is a big challenge. Currently, the Cold Water Reservoir is at an elevation of 801.3m, 2.8m from the dead water level. Accordingly, the 2 plants only have enough water to generate electricity during peak hours for about 6 hours/day with an output of 250,000 kWh/day. In the first 4 months of the year, the 2 plants generated 32.5 million kWh to the national grid, with a revenue of about 63 billion VND”.

According to the plan, in the second quarter of 2025, Huong Son Hydropower Joint Stock Company will generate 18 million kWh to the grid. Affected by the hot weather, the water level of the Cold Water Reservoir is forecasted to continue to decrease. In that context, the company must "cut its coat according to its cloth", making efforts to operate the two plants according to the direction of the National Power System Control Center. The solutions prioritized by Huong Son Hydropower Joint Stock Company are to strengthen the maintenance of equipment and machinery systems; monitor and regularly update hydrological forecasts and actual water sources of the reservoir, promptly make appropriate adjustments to improve the efficiency of exploiting and using water resources.

With a capacity of 25.5 MW, including 4 generators, currently, Ngan Truoi Hydropower Plant located in Vu Quang district is also proactively implementing solutions to ensure electricity supply for economic development, especially during the period of forecasted power shortage due to hot weather. Accordingly, in 2025, the plant strives to produce more than 60 million kWh.

In 2025, Ngan Truoi Hydropower Plant (Vu Quang) strives to produce more than 60 million kWh.

According to records, currently, other hydropower plants such as Ke Go Hydropower Plant (Cam My Commune, Cam Xuyen), Da Han Hydropower Plant (Hoa Hai Commune, Huong Khe) are also facing difficulties in operating water sources. Mainly, the units exploit and generate electricity during peak hours with low output.

Mr. Tran Van Nhuong - Deputy Head of Energy Management Department (Department of Industry and Trade) informed: Ha Tinh currently has 5 hydropower plants in operation with a total capacity of 83.3 MWp, the expected electricity output to the grid in 2025 is about 260 million kWh. In addition, Vu Quang Hydropower Plant (located in Vu Quang district) with a capacity of 4.8 MWp is under urgent construction, expected to be put into operation at the end of the second quarter of 2025, which will supplement the electricity production in the area.

Enterprises and factories are boosting production and business, leading to a forecasted spike in electricity load.

Entering the hot season, the demand for electricity across the country is forecast to increase dramatically. Operating in the context of declining reservoir water resources is a disadvantage for hydropower plants in the area. Therefore, plants need to monitor and regularly update hydrological forecasts and actual reservoir water resources to proactively develop and adjust operating plans in accordance with the actual situation. At the same time, synchronously and effectively deploy operating solutions approved by specialized sectors, ensuring safe and stable operation of generators, contributing to ensuring national energy security.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/cac-nha-may-thuy-dien-chat-vat-van-hanh-trong-mua-nang-nong-post287914.html