A delegation from Ministry of Industry and Trade Vietnam (MOIT), led by Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long, held a working session with the Son La People’s Committee to review the implementation of power generation and transmission projects under the revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII).
Son La currently has an installed power capacity of approximately 3,860 MW, largely driven by hydropower, including major plants such as Son La Hydropower Plant, Huoi Quang, and Nam Chien. The province also receives additional hydropower capacity from neighboring Lai Chau and Dien Bien through existing transmission networks.
The local grid infrastructure includes one 500 kV substation (2 x 900 MVA) and two 220 kV substations, supported by multiple 220–500 kV transmission lines connecting the regional power system. In recent years, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and its subsidiaries have ensured stable electricity supply to support socio-economic development in the province.
Under the revised PDP VIII, EVN is advancing two hydropower expansion projects at Son La and Huoi Quang, while also studying the development of the Moc Chau pumped-storage hydropower project.
On the transmission side, National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) is investing in key 500 kV and 220 kV infrastructure to strengthen grid connectivity and facilitate power evacuation. The 220 kV Son La–Dien Bien transmission line is currently under construction and is targeted for completion in the second quarter of 2026.
Additional projects are planned for completion by 2028, including the Son La 500 kV Substation 1 and associated connections, the 500 kV Son La 1–Son Tay transmission line, upgrades to existing 500 kV and 220 kV lines, and the expansion of the Muong La 220 kV substation.
During the meeting, EVNNPT Deputy General Director Hoang Van Tuyen highlighted that construction of the Son La–Dien Bien line is being accelerated to ensure reliable power supply during the dry season and efficient evacuation of hydropower output during the rainy season. However, challenges remain, with 11 out of 159 transmission tower locations yet to be handed over due to land clearance issues. EVNNPT has requested the provincial authorities to complete site handover by May 15, 2026.
Discussions also focused on key challenges including investment procedures, land acquisition, and grid connectivity, with participants emphasizing the need to prioritize transmission infrastructure to ensure system stability.
Provincial authorities outlined plans to expand renewable energy capacity, including wind, solar, and biomass, alongside hydropower development, targeting a total installed capacity of 9,300 MW by 2030. Son La aims to position itself as a regional energy hub, underlining the importance of expanding transmission networks.
Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long acknowledged Son La’s strong renewable energy potential and called on EVN and EVNNPT to accelerate both generation and transmission projects. He emphasized the need to develop a 500 kV transmission corridor linking the Northwest region to Hanoi by 2028 to ensure synchronized development of power generation and grid infrastructure.
He also urged the province to expedite land clearance, particularly for the Son La–Dien Bien 220 kV line, to meet its Q2 2026 commissioning target, while enhancing coordination with central ministries to address policy and procedural bottlenecks.
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