EVN launches floating solar power projects and expands hydropower in Lai Chau province

At the meeting, EVN proposed investing in four floating solar power projects on hydropower reservoirs with a total capacity of 462 MWp / 420 MW, and three expansion projects for existing hydropower plants (Lai Chau, Ban Chat, and Huoi Quang), with a combined capacity of 770 MW.

Accordingly, EVN requested that the People's Committee of Lai Chau Province continue to facilitate and support the Group and its member units in the investment and construction of power generation and transmission projects, as well as electricity supply activities within the province. The Provincial People's Committee is also requested to consider incorporating and updating EVN-proposed power projects into the province’s development plan. In particular, EVN recommended accelerating the investment schedule for floating solar power projects on the reservoirs of the Lai Chau, Huoi Quang, and Ban Chat hydropower plants to the 2025–2030 period. Furthermore, EVN proposed that relevant provincial departments and agencies approve and support the Group in conducting site surveys for these projects, and provide guidance to investors in preparing and submitting investment policy proposals.

Fully agreeing with EVN’s proposals, Mr. Le Van Luong – Chairman of the People’s Committee of Lai Chau Province – affirmed that the province will establish task forces to support compensation and site clearance for EVN’s energy development projects in the area.

The Provincial People's Committee supports the policy of developing floating solar power projects and expanding the three existing hydropower plants. The province will also coordinate with relevant stakeholders to implement the necessary steps for planning adjustments.

Mr. Le Van Luong - Chairman of Lai Chau Provincial People's Committee.

Currently, the total installed capacity of hydropower sources in operation in Lai Chau Province is 3,135 MW. Among these, the major hydropower plants include Lai Chau (1,200 MW), Ban Chat (220 MW), and Huoi Quang (520 MW). Additionally, there are medium and small-scale hydropower plants with a combined capacity of approximately 1,195 MW connected to the distribution grid. Furthermore, about 150 MW from small hydropower plants in the neighboring provinces of Yen Bai and Lao Cai is also transmitted into the system through Lai Chau’s power grid.

Regarding the 500 kV and 220 kV power grid, Lai Chau Province has established and reinforced a robust transmission network, including the following lines: the 500 kV transmission line from Lai Chau Hydropower Plant to the 500 kV Lai Chau Substation and onward to Son La, as well as the 220 kV lines from Muong Te to Lai Chau, and from Than Uyen to Ban Chat to Huoi Quang. Key substations such as the 500 kV Lai Chau Substation (with a total capacity of 1,400 MVA), the 220 kV Muong Te Substation (500 MVA), and the 220 kV Than Uyen Substation (500 MVA) play a vital role in power transmission. As for the 110 kV grid, the province currently operates 4 substations with a total installed capacity of 157 MVA.

In terms of electricity consumption, Lai Chau’s commercial electricity output grew at an average annual rate of 7.89% during the 2021–2024 period, reflecting strong economic growth and increasing electricity demand. The maximum load capacity (Pmax) also recorded an average annual growth rate of 2.9% over the same period.

By the end of 2024, Lai Chau Power Company (a subsidiary of Northern Power Corporation) had successfully provided direct electricity supply to 100% of households across the province. As of the end of May 2025, all 106 communes (100%) in the province have been connected to the national power grid. In total, 97.88% of households (107,814 out of 110,154) and 99.16% of villages and hamlets (948 out of 956) now have access to electricity. This achievement is a clear testament to EVN’s commitment to bringing electricity to remote and disadvantaged areas, thereby improving the living standards of local people.

EVN has also been actively involved in social welfare activities in Lai Chau Province. Between 2009 and 2020, the Group contributed approximately VND 710 billion to support three impoverished districts—Than Uyen, Tan Uyen, and Phong Tho—under the Government’s Resolution 30a. Additionally, EVN allocated VND 50 billion for the construction of the Nam Nhun District’s Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students. Since 2021, EVN has continued to support the province with approximately VND 3.1 billion for the Fund for the Poor and the local program aimed at eliminating makeshift and dilapidated housing.