Foreign investors show keen interest in small hydropower plants

The model will generate a stable power supply with reasonable expense for remote areas while helping Vietnam fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The advantages of mini hydropower plants include rapid construction and installation and low investment, operation and maintenance expenses.

According to the World Bank, Vietnam is among 14 countries with great potential in hydropower development.

The mini hydropower plant is considered a substituted solution for the diesel electric generator which is less environmentally friendly. A mini hydropower plant can supply electricity for 250-400 households.

Timofey Dolgikh, a representative from the State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM, said Russia and Vietnam have cooperated in using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and applying nuclear technologies in non-energy sectors like agriculture and health care. He hoped that the two sides will cooperate in the development of mini hydropower plants in the future.

Hungarian Ganz EEM Company has recently introduced technological solutions for mini hydropower plants in line with Vietnam conditions. Companies from Kazakhstan have also paid due attention to the development of mini hydropower plants in Southeast Asia.

Tran Viet Ngai, chairman of the Vietnam Energy Association, said power generated from domestic resources should be exploited such as small and medium hydropower sources, especially renewable energy sources like wind, solar and biomass.