According to the Vietnamese website on April 21st, the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction has decided to further evaluate and investigate the proposed Thai Nien and Bao Ha hydropower projects. Previously, the Ministry of Construction had agreed to include two hydropower projects on the Red River in Laojie Province in the planning by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The installed capacity of both projects is 75 megawatts, with 4 units each, belonging to the same water elevator level.
To ensure compliance with regulations, the Ministry of Construction stated that a comprehensive evaluation of these two projects, including lakes, dams, and related projects, must be conducted to meet technical requirements and ensure the safety of downstream residents. In addition, the Ministry of Construction will evaluate the design of the project's connection to the regional power grid, the selection of operation managers, and the investment and construction plan of the project, and review and update other planning documents, especially the ecological impact assessment and the maintenance and governance of irrigation water resources in the lower reaches of the Red River.
The Ministry of Construction will also supplement the content proposed in the planning documents, conduct research and design based on geological and hydrogeological survey data, and provide sufficient basis for ensuring the safety of reservoirs and dams. According to regulations, the design scheme of hydroelectric reservoirs and structures must also be certified by relevant institutions.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade will be responsible for evaluating the additional planning documents of the project to ensure legality and ensure that the goals and requirements of the approved power development plan are appropriate.