On the morning of April 14th, a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long, worked with the People's Committee of Son La province on the implementation of projects under the revised Power Development Plan VIII. Mr. Pham Hong Phuong, EVN’s Vice President, attended and presented a report at the meeting.
Ministry of Industry and Trade delegation working with Son La Provincial People's Committee on April 14, 2026 in Son La.
Ensuring power supply for economic growth and people's lives
According to EVN's report on the power supply situation in Son La province, the province's commercial power consumption increased by an average of 7.63% per year during the 2016-2020 period, and by 7.9% per year during the 2021-2025 period. In 2025 alone, the province's commercial electricity consumption is projected to reach over 921 million kWh, an increase of more than 8% compared to that in 2024. In terms of consumption structure, the industrial and construction sector accounts for over 22%, while the administrative and residential consumption sector accounts for over 57%.
The peak load capacity in 2025 is projected to reach 271.68MW, an increase of 8.37% compared to that of the same period. It is forecast that by 2030, this capacity could reach approximately 470MW, with an estimated commercial power output of around 1.38 billion kWh.
EVN’s Vice President Pham Hong Phuong reporting at working session.
By the end of 2025, the total power capacity of Son La province will be approximately 3,860MW, mainly from hydropower sources. Among these, several large hydropower projects belonging to EVN include Son La (2,400MW), Huoi Quang (520MW ), etc. Son La province also receives a significant amount of hydropower capacity from Lai Chau and Dien Bien provinces via 220-500kV transmission lines.
Simultaneously, the power grid system continues to be strengthened and expanded. By the end of March 2026, 100% of communes and wards will have access to the national power grid, and over 99.5% of households will have access to electricity, contributing to improving the lives of people, especially in remote and disadvantaged areas.
Boost investment in power sources and grids
According to Vice President Pham Hong Phuong, the Group has completed many large power plant projects, such as Son La and Huoi Quang hydropower plants, and is currently investing in key projects, such as the Son La hydropower plant expansion (800MW), the Huoi Quang hydropower plant expansion (260MW), and researching the Moc Chau pumped storage hydropower project (900MW).
Regarding the transmission grid, important projects such as the Dien Bien – Son La 220kV line are being accelerated, along with preparations for investment in 500kV projects such as the Son La 1 500kV substation and the Son La 1 – Son Tay 500kV line, aiming to enhance transmission capacity and relieve power generation load in the Northwest region.
In addition, there are planned 110kV power grid projects to supply power to the load, as well as to enhance capacity and create a 110kV grid loop to serve the connection of hydropower plants in the province.
According to the revised Power Development Plan VIII, by 2035, the total power generation capacity in Son La province could reach approximately 11,685MW, leading to a great demand for power transmission and requiring continued strong investment in the power grid system. To ensure the progress of projects and improve the efficiency of power system operation, EVN recommends that Son La province continue to pay attention to and support the investment and construction of power projects; and promptly update power projects into the implementation plan of Power Development Plan VIII and the province’s planning.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long delivering speech.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long stated that Son La province has great potential for developing various types of energy, especially renewable energy, thanks to its advantageous natural conditions, land resources, and development room.
The Deputy Minister requested Son La province to focus on implementing projects according to the approved plan, prioritizing projects with high feasibility; expedite land clearance for key power grid projects; and strengthen coordination with ministries and agencies to overcome difficulties in mechanisms and policies in order to accelerate the progress of power projects in the province.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized that the development of power sources must go hand in hand with investment in transmission infrastructure, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the power system, contributing to the achievement of the goal of sustainable energy transition and socio-economic development of the locality in the coming period.
Translator: Nguyễn Thị Lan Anh
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