Safe and effective operation of hydroelectric reservoirs

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang chaired the working session at Thac Mo Hydropower Plant. Photo: B.Nguyen

According to the report of Thac Mo Hydropower Joint Stock Company, the designed power output of the plant is 610 million kWh/year, the basin area is 2,200 km2, the total capacity is 1,360 million m3. From the beginning of 2025 until now, the area has had 12 floods, the longest flood duration is 36 hours. This year there has been no major flood, only at an average level, the irrigation reservoir regulating water has no risk.

Mr. Nguyen Le Hoang, General Director of Thac Mo Hydropower Joint Stock Company, reported at the meeting. Photo: B.Nguyen

The plant discharges flood water 15 times a year, the highest discharge and generation time is still ensured to be higher than the water flow to the reservoir, the discharge flow is within the allowable level, and the inspection work ensures safety. The reporting and notification of flood events of the plant is in accordance with the procedure. During floods, the plant mobilizes 3 generators; fully notifies flood discharge via documents, phone, warning system; fully implements the procedure before, during and after spill discharge, regularly checks the downstream area (at least 4 hours/time).

Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Dong Nai province Pham Van Cuong spoke at the working session at Thac Mo Hydropower Plant. Photo: B.Nguyen

Can Don Hydropower Joint Stock Company has a plant capacity of 77.6 MW, total reservoir capacity of 165.5 million m3. In addition to generating electricity to the national grid, the project also serves irrigation, providing irrigation water for 4.8 thousand hectares of cultivated land and domestic water for people in the downstream area of the project.

Representatives of the Dong Nai Provincial Military Command gave their opinions at the working session at Thac Mo Hydropower Plant. Photo: B.Nguyen

During this year's flood season, Can Don Hydropower Joint Stock Company has issued 37 notices on reservoir regulation, flexibly increasing/decreasing without causing sudden changes to the downstream. When there is a regulation plan, the company sends a written notice (according to regulations, before operating the spillway valve from the completely closed state) 24 hours in advance. When increasing or decreasing the flow of water discharged through the spillway, the company sends a notice 4 hours in advance.

The company also closely coordinates with relevant agencies in monitoring hydrological weather to update the situation of rainfall, floods, and high tides on the Dong Nai river system. In particular, during floods, the company has proactively operated to reduce floods downstream and lower the water level to welcome floods, contributing to ensuring the safety of the project as well as not causing damage to property and people living in the downstream area.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang and the delegation visited the operator's house at Can Don Hydropower Plant. Photo: B.Nguyen

Before the 2025 flood season, the above hydropower plants have completed the Civil Defense Command Committee; established a shock team; issued a 2025 disaster prevention plan; prepared materials, equipment, and logistics; issued a disaster response plan; signed a coordination regulation with localities in spill warning work to ensure safety for downstream areas.

Information and propaganda work on meteorological and hydrological data, current status of reservoirs and factories for safe and stable operation of the works is ensured, with adequate provisions and preparations of means and materials. Factories arrange 24/7 on-duty staff during heavy rains, storms and floods and normal weather conditions. Check and maintain dams, dredge dam-bank water collection canals, clean the dam surface, and inspect monitoring equipment before the rainy season...

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang visited the operator's house at Thac Mo Hydropower Plant. Photo: B.Nguyen

Hydropower plants recommend that the province continue to direct the work of natural disaster prevention and control as a basis for units with reservoirs in the area to develop scenarios, plans, and timely response options, contributing to better prevention and handling of situations when natural disasters occur. At the same time, mobilize and propagate local people not to encroach on river corridors, streams, and reservoirs; be aware of protecting reservoir works; have skills to respond to natural disasters, survival skills; and use water resources appropriately and effectively.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang visited the dam discharge area at Can Don Hydropower Plant. Photo: B.Nguyen

Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang requested hydropower plants to perform well in operation and ensure the safety of dams. In the coming time, the operation of hydropower reservoirs and inter-reservoirs must ensure safety and efficiency, without causing any damage to works or property of people in the downstream areas.

Hydropower companies need to pay attention to signing coordination regulations with downstream communes to protect the construction corridor. Regarding the recommendations of the companies, the relevant departments and branches will continue to guide the process of documents and procedures, and review and integrate them into the provincial planning. Localities must review carefully, contributing to the good implementation of the protection of the safety corridor of reservoirs and irrigation works.

Binh Nguyen

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/tin-moi/202511/cong-tac-van-hanh-ho-chua-thuy-dien-an-toan-hieu-qua-9920f20/