Engineers witness a turbine begin operation at the Son La hydroelectric power plant in 2012. This plant, along with five other power stations, have been listed as vital facilities for national development. -- File photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has listed six hydroelectric power plants that play a vital role in socio-economic development of Viet Nam.

They include stations in northern localities, namely the 2,400MW Son La in Son La Province, 1,200MW Hoa Binh in Hoa Binh Province, 1,200MW Lai Chau in Lai Chau Province and 342MW Tuyen Quang in Tuyen Quang Province.

The other two are 720MW Ialy in the Central Highlands Province of Gia Lai and 400MW in southern Dong Nai Province.

Phuc asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to build a special mechanism for these major plants in managing operations and electricity rates when taking part in the power market.

He asked Electricity of Viet Nam to study appropriate organisational structures and production and business management methods, which could be applied in these facilities.

He also asked investors and managing units of the plants to assure safety and security in their operations.

The industry and trade ministry is responsible for reviewing other power plants, and Phuc will consider supplementing the list with the ministry's recommendation, he said. — VNS