Construction has begun on the 2400MW Son La hydroelectric power plant – the largest hydro project in Vietnam’s history.
The US$2.4B project is being built on the Da river, about 346m northwest of Hanoi and 298m upstream from Hoa Binh hydro plant, in the Muong La district of Son La, Vietnam.
When finished, Son La, which will house six 400MW turbines, will supply an average of approximately 10BkWh/yr, about 20% of Vietnam’s present power supply.
The project will also help prevent flooding and supply irrigation for the local region.
Son La’s first turbine is expected to generate electricity in 2010, and the entire plant should be completed in 2012.