Son La plant powers up in a major success for EVN

The Son La hydropower project is also expected to control flooding, supply water and stimulate economic development

It will notably contribute to ease concern of manufacturers over the current power shortage in Vietnam.

The power plant, comprising six turbines with the total capacity of 2,400 megawatts, will generate more than 10 billion kilowatt-hours per year, equivalent to 9 per cent of the total electricity supply in Vietnam this year.

“The appearance of Son La plant will notably contribute to the power supply in the country. This is more significant in the dry season, when the country usually faces the shortage of 1-2 billion kilowatt-hours,” said Pham Le Thanh, general director of state-owned Electricity of Vietnam (EVN).

The increase in the country’s  power supply over the past years has been lagged behind the economic growth. The outage became more severe in 2010 and 2011 and raised concern for many foreign investors investing in manufacturing industries in Vietnam.

With the commercial operation of Son La plant, Thanh said, the plant which generates electricity at “more reasonable price” would help ensure the stability of Vietnam’s economy. In addition, the power plant also has the role in preventing flood in the rainy season and supplying water for the Red River Delta in the dry season.

The investment plans of Son La plant were approved by the National Assembly in 2001, with the total investment capital of $2.8 billion. EVN two years ago put the first turbine at Son La plant in operation.

Then, the second, third and fourth turbines were operated smoothly in 2011. The installation of fifth and sixth turbines was completed this year.

At present, six turbines of Son La plant have been operating smoothly and contributing approximately 13 billion kilowatt-hours to the national power grids, director of Son La Hydropower Plant Hoang Trong Nam said.

Actually, EVN completed the construction of Son La plant three years ahead the schedule.