Vietnam sets high standards for hydropower projects

A total of 52 substandard hydroelectricity projects were rejected by Vietnam's local authorities since the beginning of this year.

This was announced by Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang to the National Assembly.

“The inspection of many other projects, which are either operational or under construction and planning, will be continued,” Hoang said.

He noted that the plan to build the 135 megawatt/ $178 million Dong Nai 6 and the 106MW/ $142.5 million Dong Nai 6A hydropower plants in southern Dong Nai province might be stopped if their environmental impact reports failed to meet local authorities’ requirements.

“Dong Nai 6 and 6A must not be built as it will take 137 hectares of Cat Tien National Park and another 144haof Southern Cat Tien protection forest,” said Dong Nai’s deputy Truong Van Vo.

Many National Assembly deputies vehemently opposed construction of more hydropower plants in Vietnam. Theirconcerns centered on fears of disasters like landslides, environmental pollution and poverty.

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