For the Sustainable Development of Krong H’nang Hydropower Plant

Krong H’nang Hydropower Plant, invested by Song Ba Joint Stock Company, has been in commercial operation for 10 years. The plant has been very productive and brought peace of mind for local people and local government.

It is already 20 years since the Ministry of Industry (currently the Ministry of Industry and Trade) adopted the policy on small and medium hydropower plant development. In early years, hydroelectricity was seen as a driving force for society. Hydropower plants mushroomed as the entire society invested in this source of energy.

Difficult things became common as we grew familiar with them: Designing standards were gradually made light; construction contractors were negligent; consulting contractors were divided into smaller groups to lower costs. As a result, hydropower has caused numerous painful problems and its existence has become fragile amidst storms, floods and other natural disasters.

Well aware of the problems, when Krong H’nang Hydropower Plant was put into operation in 2010, the leadership and staff of Song Ba Joint Stock Company promptly corrected errors and weaknesses caused by consultants and contractors, especially in flooding and drought management.

The company's motto of flood regulation is worry-free people, carefree government and effective reservoir owner. This motto is a driving force for the company in the past 10 years and beyond, and is the target for many innovative projects in the company. Consequently, in 2014, the company created an accurate measurement device for water level. In 2016, the firm created a millimeter-level water meter. In 2017, the rain measuring equipment automatically sent messages and operating methods to find a reasonable flood discharge point. In 2018, it measured the accurate arc valve opening. In 2019, it automatically operated the reservoir.

In 2015, the company discovered that lowering the lake water level early caused the underground water level upstream to be lowered and well water is dry. In 2016, the company kept the water level high and lowered the water level from the end of June to the end of August.

The company stored water in the rainy season to supply water in the dry season in the area surrounding the Krong H’nang Hydropower Plant, a very meaningful thing for local people. As a result, people both upstream and downstream of the plant no longer lack water for daily life in dry season. Downstream people are not afraid of flooding. Existence is sustained only when there is a better environment.

Workers at Krong H’nang Hydropower Plant are always proud to work to benefit local people, local government and the company. The facility is loved by the people and the government.

Krong H’nang Hydropower Plant is not lonely, not fragile. It develops sustainably.

By Pham Phong, Vietnam Business Forum