Hydropower contributes to growth targets

Nam Chien Hydropower Plant maintains 2 units, with a total capacity of 200 MW.

Son La currently has 3 large hydropower plants: Son La, Huoi Quang, Nam Chien and 57 small hydropower plants in operation, with a total capacity of 3,794 MW, producing about 12-15 billion kWh/year and contributing 40-50% of the provincial budget revenue. Of which, 57 small hydropower plants, with a total capacity of 670 MW, produce about 2.2 billion kWh/year, contributing about 400-500 billion VND to the local budget each year, accounting for 10% of the provincial budget revenue.

The hydropower plants have been put into operation, creating stable jobs for 2,500 local workers, with an average income of 80 - 150 million VND/year; contributing to the protection and development of upstream forests through the payment of forest environmental service fees. In addition, hydropower project investors also support localities in building roads, electricity systems, schools, medical stations and community cultural houses. In addition, during the construction process, jobs are created for thousands of unskilled workers.

Nam Chien 3 Hydropower Plant, in Chieng San Commune, Muong La District.

Every year, the Department of Industry and Trade presides over and coordinates with the People's Committees of districts to organize inspections, urge and guide investors to strictly comply with regulations on dam safety management. Ensure that factories strictly comply with inspections and reviews of the current status of works before the flood season; comply with reservoir operation procedures, dam protection plans, emergency response plans, and disaster prevention plans; 100% of hydropower plants ensure safety of works for operation.

Mr. Doan Van Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said: The province's growth target in 2025 is 8% or more. The Department has advised the Provincial People's Committee to work with Son La, Huoi Quang, Nam Chien hydropower plants and small hydropower plants, develop plans and operate optimally, achieving the best power generation efficiency. Advise the Provincial People's Committee to direct departments and branches to focus on solving difficulties and obstacles, speeding up the progress of hydropower projects under construction. It is expected that in 2025, 2 small hydropower plants will be put into operation, with a total capacity of 46 MW.

At the meeting with Son La, Huoi Quang, and Nam Chien hydropower plants in March 2025, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, assigned the Department of Industry and Trade to continue monitoring the production plans of hydropower companies and regularly report to the Provincial People's Committee to have solutions for the economic growth plan roadmap. The Department of Finance monitors growth targets and advises on growth scenarios. It is recommended that hydropower companies increase electricity output, contribute to the local budget, and contribute to achieving the 8% growth target of Son La province.

Workers at Nam Chien Hydropower Plant, Muong La district, operate power generation.

As of March 31, 2025, the electricity output of hydropower plants was 1,150 million kWh, an increase of 26% compared to the same period in 2024. It is forecasted that in 2025, rainfall and water flow to hydropower reservoirs will be at normal levels, supporting stable power generation. However, there is still a potential risk of extreme weather events such as storms and tropical depressions, affecting the operation of hydropower plants.

Son La Hydropower Company always complies with the single reservoir operation process of Son La Hydropower approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, contributing to the efficient use of water resources and absolute safety for the project and the upstream and downstream of the reservoir. In 2024, the electricity output will be 8.725 billion kWh, reaching 109.95% of the plan, contributing 881 billion VND to the provincial budget.

Mr. Khuong The Anh, Director of Son La Hydropower Plant, informed: In 2025, Son La Hydropower Plant was assigned 8.540 billion kWh by EVN. Electricity output in the first quarter reached 852,224,406 kWh. The Company will regularly monitor the hydrometeorological situation, closely coordinate with the National Electricity System and Market Operation Company, and localities to have a plan to operate the reservoir optimally and effectively with water resources, improving the power generation efficiency of the plant.

Workers at Muong Sang 3 Hydropower Plant, Moc Chau district, on duty.

Meanwhile, Nam Chien Hydropower Joint Stock Company is managing and operating Nam Chien Hydropower Plant, with a capacity of 200 MW, designed electricity output of 813 million kWh/year. In 2024, electricity output will reach 721 million kWh, contributing 178 billion VND to the state budget.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Ha, Deputy General Director of the Company, said: To achieve the production and business growth target of 8% in 2025, the Company strives to reach 730 million kWh. In the first quarter, electricity output reached 63.71 million kWh, an increase of 215% over the same period in 2024. The Company strengthens the grasp of weather forecast information to proactively exploit the maximum and effective water resources in the lake, improve the efficiency of electricity production; proactively take measures to prevent and fight floods and storms; perform maintenance and repair of generators to ensure safety and efficiency.

With the attention and support of the province and the proactiveness of hydropower companies in implementing the electricity production plan, complying with the safe reservoir operation process, effectively using water resources, and increasing electricity output, it will contribute significantly to the growth target of 8% or more of Son La province.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/kinh-te/thuy-dien-dong-gop-vao-muc-tieu-tang-truong-nIingbbNg.html