The Dong Nai 5 Hydropower Plant started operation on Sunday to help meet power demand of the coal and mineral sectors in the Central Highlands. — VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The Dong Nai 5 Hydropower Plant, owned by a subsidiary of the Viet Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group, went on stream on Sunday in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

Vinacomin-Power Holding Corporation's VND6.11 trillion (US$271.6 million) facility includes two turbines of 150MW each.

It is one of the key projects in the Government's Power Development Master Plan VII, which focuses on meeting the electricity needs of the Central Highlands' coal and mineral sectors, especially the Lam Dong Aluminium Bauxite Project and Nhan Co-Dak Nong Aluminium Project.

The turbines were connected to the national grid on September 30 and November 13, both months ahead of schedule.

Doan Van Viet, chairman of the province People's Committee, told the inauguration ceremony that when its operations stabilise, the plant will contribute an average of over 600 million kWh a year to the grid.

Dong Nai 5 is considered an engineering achievement since it is situated in an area with a complex geology and erratic weather.

The plant is also expected to help regulate the Dong Nai River's water flow to prevent flooding. — VNS