On February 24, the People's Committee of Kon Tum province announced that it had added a list of projects to attract investment in the province for the period 2021-2025. Of which, there are 11 small and medium-sized hydropower projects.
These projects have an investment capital ranging from 100 - 700 billion VND, mainly concentrated in districts with steep terrain, many rivers and streams such as Sa Thay, Tu Mo Rong, Kon Plong and Dak Glei.
Some notable hydropower projects added to the investment portfolio include: Thuong Dak Psi 1 Hydropower Plant (Dak Ha district) with a capacity of 7.2MW, total investment capital of 273 billion VND.
Tan Lap Hydropower Plant (Kon Ray District) has a capacity of 5.2MW, with an investment capital of 189 billion VND. Nuoc Tre Hydropower Plant (Kon Plong District) has a capacity of 17MW, with a total capital of 705 billion VND. Sa Thay 2 Hydropower Plant has a capacity of 11.2MW, with an investment capital of 366 billion VND.
Although hydropower contributes to energy supply and economic development, some small and medium-sized projects in Kon Tum have had a negative impact on the environment, caused forest loss and increased flood risk.
At the end of 2022, the People's Committee of Kon Tum province sent a document requesting the Ministry of Industry and Trade to remove 4 hydropower projects from the planning.
The reason is due to many shortcomings, especially the problem of affected natural forest areas and unsatisfactory resettlement work.
The projects proposed to be eliminated include: Dak Ruoi 1 Hydropower Plant (Dak Glei District) - 7MW capacity.
Dak Man Hydropower Plant (Dak Glei District) - Capacity 6MW. Dak Brot Hydropower Plant (Dak Glei District) - Capacity 2MW. Song Tranh 1 Hydropower Plant (Tu Mo Rong District) - Capacity 4.5MW.
The review and adjustment of the hydropower plan is considered a necessary step to balance economic development and environmental protection, ensuring the sustainable development of Kon Tum province.
To date, in Kon Tum province, 30 hydropower projects have been completed and put into operation with a total capacity of 348MW.
The development of the energy industry is expected to promote the potential and advantages of the locality, while creating an important driving force to promote socio-economic development.
