Authorities in the northern province of Son La have broken ground on a renewable and supporting industry complex at the Son La hydropower reservoir, highlighted by an 800-MW floating solar farm worth around VND17 trillion.
The floating solar farm is being developed by BP Son La Energy JSC across 1,139.5 hectares of water surface and 60.5 hectares of land. Once fully operational, the project is expected to add around 1.25 billion kWh of clean electricity annually to the national grid.
To ensure stable operations, the plant will use photovoltaic panel technology, distributed inverters and a battery energy storage system (BESS) with storage capacity equal to 10% of installed capacity for two hours. The project will also include a 35/500 kV transformer station and a 10-kilometer 500-kV transmission line directly connected to the national grid.
Under the planned timeline, the project will be implemented over more than three years, from late 2026 to 2030, in four phases.
The first 200-MW phase is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027, followed by the second phase in 2028, the third in the second quarter of 2029, and the final phase by the fourth quarter of 2029, bringing the entire 800 MW into operation.
With annual disbursement estimated at VND5-6 trillion, the project is expected to support local GRDP growth and contribute to the government’s goal of achieving double-digit economic expansion.
To strengthen material quality control and environmental safety, the Son La People’s Committee has also approved an investment policy for a float and plastic products manufacturing plant in Chieng Lao Commune.
The supporting project, developed by BP Son La Floating Production JSC, will require investment of more than VND317 billion and have designed capacity of 758,000 products annually. The plant will supply specialized floating systems used to support solar panels on the reservoir surface.
Son La Province is currently Vietnam’s largest hydropower center, home to strategic plants such as Son La Hydropower Plant, Huoi Quang Hydropower Plant and Nam Chien Hydropower Plant.
Son La hydropower reservoir
The Son La Hydropower Reservoir, located in northwestern Vietnam, is the largest artificial lake in the country, created by the damming of the Da River. Construction of the Son La Hydropower Plant began in 2005 and was completed in 2012, requiring the relocation of over 90,000 people and the flooding of vast valleys. Today, the reservoir not only generates clean electricity but also supports tourism, offering scenic boat trips to explore its calm waters and surrounding mountains.
Chieng Lao Commune
Chieng Lao Commune is located in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam, within the Sa Pa district of Lao Cai province. Known for its stunning terraced rice fields and rich ethnic diversity, the area is primarily home to the H’Mong and Dao communities. Historically, it has been a remote agricultural settlement, with local traditions and livelihoods deeply tied to the land and seasonal farming cycles.
Son La Province
Son La Province, located in northwestern Vietnam, is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and rich ethnic diversity. Historically, it was a key area during the French colonial period, where the infamous Son La Prison was built to detain political prisoners, including many Vietnamese revolutionaries. Today, the province is famous for its coffee plantations, tea hills, and cultural sites like the Son La Museum and the Black Thai stilt houses.
Son La Hydropower Plant
The Son La Hydropower Plant is a major hydroelectric dam located on the Da River in northern Vietnam. Construction began in 2005 and was completed in 2012, making it the largest hydropower plant in Southeast Asia at the time. The project played a key role in Vietnam’s energy infrastructure, while also requiring the relocation of thousands of residents from the affected area.
Huoi Quang Hydropower Plant
The Huoi Quang Hydropower Plant is a major hydroelectric facility located on the Nam Mu River in the mountainous Son La province of Vietnam. Construction began in 2008 and was completed in 2016, making it one of the largest hydropower projects in the region, with a capacity of 520 MW. The plant plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to northern Vietnam while also supporting flood control and irrigation in the area.
Nam Chien Hydropower Plant
The Nam Chien Hydropower Plant is a significant hydroelectric facility located in Lai Chau Province, northern Vietnam. Completed in 2019, it was built on the Nam Chien River as part of the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy capacity and support rural development. The plant plays a key role in generating electricity for the national grid while also contributing to local flood control and irrigation.
