The cofferdam was built in the first phase of the project to block the water flow from the existing Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir, serving the construction of the foundation pit in dry conditions. With the completion of the dismantling of the cofferdam, the flow from the Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir is officially connected to the water intake area and the expanded Hoa Binh Hydropower Canal.

The Power Project Management Board No.1 said that the work of dismantling the cofferdam and constructing the channel leading to the water intake in phase 3 has been implemented since February 15, 2025. The water level of Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir has also been regulated since the beginning of March to meet the construction progress.

To complete this project, contractors had to excavate 407,000m³ of rock and soil, install a grounding grid on the bottom of the canal. At the same time, they reinforced the canal roof by using concrete spouting and spraying methods, etc.

Complete dismantling of cofferdam of Hoa Binh HPP Photo: Nguyet Ha

To serve the process of dismantling the cofferdam and constructing the channel in absolute safety conditions, EVN has closely coordinated with the relevant agencies and the National Electricity System and Market Operation Company Limited (NSMO) to regulate the water level of Hoa Binh reservoir. The water level adjustment is carried out following the inter-reservoir operation process in the Red River basin and the directive documents of the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It, thereby, creates favourable construction conditions, ensuring the safety of existing works and ensuring power supply during the dry months of 2025. This is a great effort made by the parties to promote the construction progress of the project.

EVN’s Vice President Pham Hong Phuong inspecting equipment installation at construction site of Hoa Binh HPP. Photo: Nguyet Ha

Hoa Binh HPP has a designed capacity of 480MW, including 2 units, each with a capacity of 240MW. When put into operation, the plant is expected to add nearly 500 million kWh of electricity per year to the national power system. Not only does it increase power generation capacity, but the project also plays an important role in stabilizing frequency, regulating voltage, and increasing the flexibility of operating the Northern power system.

Once it comes into operation, the project will play an important role in meeting the economy’s growing electricity demand, contributing to ensuring national energy security and improving the efficiency of the power system. The project is expected to actively support the economic development phase, with a GDP growth rate expected to reach double digits in the 2026–2030 period. At the same time, the project is also part of Vietnam’s efforts to fulfill its international commitments, contributing to realizing the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 as committed at the COP26 Conference.

Translator: Mạnh Hùng