Central Hydropower JSC: Clean Energy for Sustainable Development

Over the span of its 19-year development journey (2004 - 2023), the Central Hydropower Joint Stock Company (EVNCHP) has achieved significant milestones, contributing substantially to national energy security. Collaborating closely with localities, EVNCHP has been a catalyst in implementing social security and pro-community policies, all aligned with the overarching aim of achieving sustainable development goals.

A panoramic view of the spillway at the A Luoi Hydropower Plant

Established presence in the hydropower industry

Over the past 19 years, EVNCHP has demonstrated its prowess in the hydropower sector through strategic investments, efficient construction, and successful operation of key projects. Notably, the A Luoi Hydropower Plant (170 MW) and Cu Jut Solar Power Plant (50 MW) stand as a testament to EVNCHP's commitment to fulfilling power production and business objectives. Since their commencement of commercial power generation, these facilities have contributed a significant 7.5 billion kWh of electricity to the national power system, generating sales revenue of nearly VND 8,400 billion and delivering more than VND 1,500 billion to the State Budget.

The operational success of these plants has played a pivotal role in addressing power shortages in the Central region, fortifying national energy security, fostering socio-economic development, and ensuring security and defense in Thua Thien Hue and Dak Nong provinces, spanning the Central Coast, Central Highlands, and the entirety of the country. Throughout the operation of these power plants, EVNCHP has prioritized safety for both personnel and equipment, actively preventing workplace accidents and maintaining operational incidents within permissible limits. Participating in the electricity market has empowered the company to offer competitive prices, yielding optimal revenue from power generation. Environmental stewardship is ingrained in EVNCHP's operations, ensuring alignment with environmental protection, resource conservation, and utilizing modern, advanced, and environmentally friendly machinery and equipment.

In the era of digital technology, EVNCHP has fortified its information technology infrastructure to ensure information security and safety. Concurrently, the company places emphasis on technology applications in its business and investment activities. EVNCHP has implemented and scaled up technical management and operation systems for power plants, incorporated management software for production, business, and construction investment, and augmented its arsenal with modern equipment for operation, repair, and testing.

Furthermore, EVNCHP has actively embraced information technology applications in administration, deploying digital signatures, utilizing power business data management software, and seamlessly integrating contract management into target management software, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the company's management practices. The company's commitment to research, innovation, technical advancements, and the extensive application of information technology has solidified EVNCHP's position as a reputable leader in the electricity production and trading landscape.

EVNCHP’s operational ethos is grounded in the principles of sustainable business development and a steadfast commitment to environmental protection

Sustainable development anchored on three pillars

The principles of sustainable business development, coupled with a steadfast commitment to environmental protection, form the bedrock of EVNCHP's operational ethos. Aligned with the guiding viewpoint of our Party and State leadership, EVNCHP not only prioritizes business tasks but places equal emphasis on holistic sustainable business development. This multifaceted approach encompasses the gradual development of human resources, the cultivation of corporate culture, investments in renewable energy, and the stringent enforcement of environmental protection regulations. Such efforts are not only a corporate responsibility to the community and society but are integral to the key tenets of sustainable business development.

Mr. Le Quy Anh Tuan, General Director of EVNCHP, articulated the company's resolute commitment to sustainable development across three pivotal pillars: responsibility to the environment, responsibility to society, and responsibility to employees. This commitment is aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and delivering tangible value to the community and society.

Environmental responsibility at EVNCHP manifests through activities meticulously aligned with environmental protection, emphasizing material efficiency, and utilizing clean machinery, equipment, and technology. Since the initiation of power plant operations, EVNCHP has implemented a range of measures to mitigate and prevent pollution impacts on both the working and natural environments. The company adheres to approved plant operating procedures, minimizing alterations in downstream flows and erosion. Additionally, EVNCHP has phased out polluting vehicles, instituted electricity and fuel-saving practices, and collaborated with business departments to reduce vehicle usage.

In tandem with investing in energy-saving machinery, the company conducts regular energy use assessments and deploys solutions to enhance energy efficiency. EVNCHP rigorously adheres to state regulations on hydroelectric dam safety, fire and explosion prevention, natural disaster prevention, search and rescue, and occupational safety and hygiene. The company prioritizes plant safety operations, ensuring the well-being of both personnel and equipment while preventing incidents due to any reasons.

Communication initiatives play a vital role at EVNCHP, with collaborative efforts to inform downstream communities about reservoir and water source protection, regular environmental cleaning, and the promotion of energy-saving habits among employees.

General Director Le Quy Anh Tuan underscored EVNCHP's unwavering belief in developing a sustainable business that prioritizes environmental protection. This belief permeates throughout the organization, with each employee actively contributing to environmental preservation and protection through daily actions.

The company places importance on its employees, considering them the most valuable asset. Investment in employees adheres to the motto of "Taking responsibility, cooperation, and remuneration." Beyond competitive salary and bonus policies, comprehensive insurance, and welfare regimes, EVNCHP ensures stable employment and life for its employees, emphasizing fair and transparent remuneration regimes. The company actively encourages skill development, knowledge acquisition, and creativity among employees, fostering a dynamic and professional working environment.

In addition to its environmental and employee responsibilities, EVNCHP has maintained a consistent policy of social responsibility since its inception. Social activities have become an ingrained part of the company's culture, reflecting goodwill and aim at educating individuals to live meaningfully and share with the community. Gratitude activities are carried out in various locations, including Da Nang City and the plant surroundings in Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province; A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province; Kalum and Se Kong provinces of Laos.

The effective implementation of environmental commitments, social responsibility, and employee welfare has earned EVNCHP recognition as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Businesses by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) for many consecutive years. This serves as both a significant endorsement and a driving force for EVNCHP to continue its efforts in sustainable development and contribute practical values to the community and society. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on finalizing its Development Strategy for the 2020-2025 period, with the objective of increasing electricity output to the national power grid, thereby elevating revenue, profit, and tax contributions. EVNCHP aspires to emerge as an efficient electricity producer and trader, making a lasting impact in the Central Coast-Central Highlands regions.

By Thanh Tung, Vietnam Business Forum