Unit 1 with the capacity of 400MW of Son La Hydropower Plant has been successfully connected to the National Electricity System at 12h45’on December 17th, 2010.

Son La hydropower plant, with the installed capacity of 2400 MW, including six units, each unit with the capacity of 400MW, is the second ladder on Da River, after Lai Chau hydropower plant started on December 22th and above Hoa Binh hydropower plant.

The main works are located in It Ong commune, Muong La district, Son La. Reservoirs lie in some communes and districts of Son La, Dien Bien and Lai Chau.

The main task of the project is to provide electricity to the national electricity system with the average annual power output of 10.246 billion kWh, control flood in wet season, supply water in dry season for North Delta and contribute to economic - social development of the Northwest.

The main milestones of the project:

- Ground breaking and the first stage of river blocking: December 2nd 2005

- The second stage of river blocking: December 23th 2008

- The third stage of river blocking and water storing: May 15th 20010

- Completing the installation of rotors for generators of unit 1: August 20th 2010

- No load operation of unit 1: November 18th 2010

- Powering on unit 1: December 17th 2010

According to EVN, unit 1 of Son La hydropower plant was put into operation two year earlier than scheduled in the Resolution of the National Assembly.

The connection of unit 1 of Son La hydropower plant to the national electricity system at this moment is very important, contributing to reducing the power deficit of the national electricity system, and is the foundation for the completion of the remaining units in late 2012.

By Minh Duc