Place of Titanic Hydropower Projects

Quang Nam not only has a thick river and stream system but the terrain is split by swift-flowing rivers - a condition and potentiality for hydropower development. Thu Bon River and Vu Gia River, which forms Thu Bon River system, can support 10 hydroelectric plants, ranking the fourth among the Vietnamese river system after Song Da, Dong Nai and Se San rivers.

 

In the period from 1995 to 1997, Quang Nam only developed Phu Ninh power plant with a capacity of 2,000 KW and An Diem hydropower plant (5,400 KW). In recent years, many hydropower projects have been carried out in Quang Nam Province to serve economic and social development in the province and the central region. As of May 2008, the province had 53 hydropower projects, including 10 big projects on Vu Gia - Thu Bon system with a combined capacity of 1,094 MW. However, according to specialists, the river system can generate 5 billion kWh of electricity per annum, which is much greater than the current production.

 

Recently, many new projects are carried out in the province. This reaffirms the advantage of Quang Nam power production potentiality. Tra My Hydroelectric Joint Stock Company has started construction on VND182 billion (US$11 million) Nuoc Bieu and Nuoc La power plants in Nam Tra My District, Quang Nam Province. Nuoc Bieu hydropower plant is built in Tra Cang commune with three turbines with a total capacity of 5 MW at a cost of more than VND100 billion (US$6.25 million) and Nuoc La hydropower plant in Tra Van commune with two turbines with a capacity of 4 MW is erected at over VND82 billion. When the two begin operations in 2011, they will generate more than 40 million kWh per annum. Besides, the province’s People’s Committee has given nod to surveys and feasibility studies on the construction of an additional 14 plants. Currently, the total power consumption is estimated at 110 MW, or an equivalent of 640 million kWh per annum, too small in comparison with the production capacity of local power plants. To improve power supply, electric firms have invested more than VND60 billion to upgrade electric systems in Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, Dien Nam - Dien Ngoc Industrial Park, Thuan Yen Industrial Park and Dong Que Son Industrial Park.

 

Power plants will also help the province to regulate water currents to avoid flooding in rainy seasons. In the dry seasons, the reservoirs will help regulate water supply for farming areas. Through power projects, the province has rezoned residential areas in a bid to improve living standards for local people and supply electricity to mountainous regions. Besides, power plants will create a new source of income for the State Budget.