MOIT works with Son La on power generation and grid projects

Working session between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Son La People’s Committee on the implementation of projects under the revised Power Development Plan VIII.

Currently, Son La has a total installed capacity of about 3,860 MW, mainly hydropower, including major plants such as Son La, Huoi Quang, and Nam Chien. The province also receives significant hydropower capacity from Lai Chau and Dien Bien via transmission lines.

The transmission grid includes one 500 kV substation (Son La, 2 x 900 MVA) and two 220 kV substations (Son La: 2 x 250 MVA; Muong La: 2 x 125 MVA), along with multiple 220–500 kV transmission lines connecting the regional grid.

In recent years, EVN and its subsidiaries have ensured a reliable electricity supply for the province’s socio-economic development and residents’ needs.

Under the revised PDP VIII, EVN is investing in two hydropower expansion projects (Son La and Huoi Quang) and studying the Moc Chau pumped-storage hydropower project.

For transmission projects, EVNNPT is investing in key 500–220 kV infrastructure to connect major hydropower plants and evacuate capacity from smaller ones. Notably, the 220 kV Son La – Dien Bien line is under construction, targeted for completion in Q2 2026.

Several projects are also in preparation for completion by 2028, including: Son La 500 kV Substation 1 and its connections; the 500 kV Son La 1 – Son Tay line (2 x 164 km); capacity upgrades of 500 kV and 220 kV lines; and expansion of the Muong La 220 kV substation.

At the meeting, EVNNPT Deputy General Director Hoang Van Tuyen stated that the company is accelerating construction of the Son La – Dien Bien line to ensure stable supply, especially in the dry season, and to evacuate hydropower output during the rainy season, with a target of commissioning in Q2 2026.

Currently, 11 out of 159 tower locations have not yet been handed over due to site clearance issues. EVNNPT requested that the province complete the land handover by May 15, 2026.

EVNNPT also urged continued provincial support to ensure the timely implementation of key transmission projects under PDP VIII.

Participants discussed key challenges, including investment procedures, land clearance, grid connection, and the need to prioritize transmission infrastructure to ensure system stability.

Provincial leaders emphasized that Son La plans to further develop wind, solar, and biomass power, and expand existing hydropower plants, targeting a total capacity of 9,300 MW by 2030. The province aims to become a regional energy hub, highlighting the urgent need for new transmission lines.

They reaffirmed the importance of transmission projects for power supply, capacity evacuation, and local revenue, and committed to close coordination with EVNNPT on land clearance and public engagement.

Son La pledged continued support for implementing PDP VIII projects and called for ongoing assistance from the Ministry, EVN, and EVNNPT.

In conclusion, Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long acknowledged the province’s efforts and its strong potential in hydropower and renewable energy. He urged EVN and EVNNPT to accelerate generation projects and develop a 500 kV transmission corridor to transmit power from the Northwest to Hanoi by 2028, ensuring synchronized development of generation and grid.

He also requested the province to expedite land clearance, especially for the Son La – Dien Bien 220 kV line, to meet the Q2 2026 target, and to prioritize feasible projects while improving coordination with ministries to resolve policy and procedural bottlenecks./.