The Nam Chien hydroelectric plant maintains two generating units, with a total capacity of 200 MW.

Son La currently has 3 large hydropower plants: Son La, Huoi Quang, and Nam Chien, and 57 small hydropower plants in operation, with a total capacity of 3,794 MW, producing approximately 12-15 billion kWh of electricity per year and contributing 40-50% of the province's budget revenue. Of these, the 57 small hydropower plants, with a total capacity of 670 MW, have a designed electricity production of approximately 2.2 billion kWh per year, contributing about 400-500 billion VND to the local budget annually, accounting for 10% of the province's budget revenue.

The hydropower plants, once operational, will create stable jobs for 2,500 local workers, with an average income of 80-150 million VND per year; contributing to the protection and development of upstream forests through payments for forest environmental services. In addition, the investors of these hydropower projects will support local communities in building roads, electricity systems, schools, health stations, and community cultural centers. Furthermore, the construction process will provide employment for thousands of unskilled laborers.

Nam Chien 3 hydroelectric power plant, located in Chieng San commune, Muong La district.

Annually, the Department of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the People's Committees of the districts, organizes inspections, urges, and guides investors to strictly comply with regulations on dam safety management. This ensures that power plants strictly comply with inspections and reviews of the structure's condition before the rainy season; adhere to reservoir operation procedures, dam protection plans, emergency response plans, and disaster prevention plans; and that 100% of hydropower plants ensure structural safety for operation.

Mr. Doan Van Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said: The province's growth target for 2025 is 8% or higher. The Department has advised the Provincial People's Committee to work with the Son La, Huoi Quang, Nam Chien hydropower plants and other small hydropower plants to develop plans and optimize operations for the best power generation efficiency. The Department has also advised the Provincial People's Committee to direct relevant departments and agencies to focus on resolving difficulties and obstacles, and accelerating the progress of hydropower projects under construction. It is expected that two small hydropower plants with a total capacity of 46 MW will be put into operation in 2025.

During a working session with the Son La, Huoi Quang, and Nam Chien hydropower plants in March 2025, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, instructed the Department of Industry and Trade to continue monitoring the production plans of the hydropower companies and report regularly to the Provincial People's Committee to develop solutions and a roadmap for economic growth. The Department of Finance was tasked with monitoring growth targets and providing sound advice on growth scenarios. The hydropower companies were urged to increase electricity production, contribute to the local budget, and help achieve Son La province's 8% growth target.

Workers at the Nam Chien hydroelectric plant in Muong La district are on duty operating the power generation system.

As of March 31, 2025, the electricity output of hydropower plants is projected to reach 1,150 million kWh, a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Forecasts for 2025 indicate normal rainfall and inflow into hydropower reservoirs, supporting stable power generation. However, there remains a potential risk of extreme weather events such as storms and tropical depressions, which could affect the operation of hydropower plants.

Son La Hydropower Company consistently adheres to the Son La single-reservoir operating procedure approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, contributing to the efficient use of water resources and absolute safety for the structure and the upstream and downstream areas of the reservoir. In 2024, electricity production reached 8.725 billion kWh, achieving 109.95% of the plan, and contributed 881 billion VND to the provincial budget.

Mr. Khuong The Anh, Director of Son La Hydropower Plant, informed: In 2025, the Son La Hydropower Plant was assigned 8.54 billion kWh by EVN. Electricity production in the first quarter reached 852,224,406 kWh. The company will regularly monitor meteorological and hydrological conditions, closely coordinate with the national power system operator and the national electricity market, and local authorities to develop optimal reservoir operation plans and improve water resource efficiency, thereby enhancing the plant's power generation efficiency.

Workers at the Muong Sang 3 hydroelectric plant in Moc Chau district are on duty for operation.

Meanwhile, Nam Chien Hydropower Joint Stock Company is managing and operating the Nam Chien Hydropower Plant, with a capacity of 200 MW and a designed electricity output of 813 million kWh/year. In 2024, electricity production reached 721 million kWh, contributing 178 billion VND to the state budget.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Ha, Deputy General Director of the company, said: To achieve the production and business growth target of 8% in 2025, the company strives to reach 730 million kWh. In the first quarter, electricity production reached 63.71 million kWh, an increase of 215% compared to the same period in 2024. The company is strengthening its monitoring of weather forecasts to proactively maximize the efficient use of water resources in the reservoir, improving electricity production efficiency; proactively developing plans for flood and storm prevention; and carrying out maintenance and repair of generating units to ensure safety and efficiency.

With the attention and support of the province and the proactive efforts of hydropower companies in implementing electricity production plans, adhering to safe reservoir operation procedures, and efficiently utilizing water resources to increase electricity output, this will significantly contribute to Son La province's target of achieving an 8% or higher growth rate.