Hydroelectric plant begins operations

HA GIANG — The Nho Que 3 hydroelectric facility was inaugurated yesterday in the mountain province of Ha Giang's Meo Vac District. The project, built by the Bitexco Joint Stock Co, was completed after over three years of construction. It has two turbine groups with a capacity of 110MW and an annual output of about 500 million kWh, connected to the national power grid. The plant is expected to create jobs, improve local infrastructure, boost economic development, and increase security in border areas.

Also yesterday, the Nho Que 2 hydroelectric facility began construction in Can Chu Phin and Xin Cai communes in Meo Vac District. The project, with two turbine groups and a design capacity of 48MW, was expected to generate 225 million kWh per year. It is being built at an estimated cost of VND1.4 trillion (US$67.2 million) by the Bitexco Corporation and slated for completion in 2014. — VNS