Linking hydropower benefits with environmental protection and social security

Bac Ha Hydropower Plant, in Bao Nhai commune with a capacity of 90 MW, is the second largest project in the province in exploiting hydropower potential. In recent years, hydropower has not only contributed an average of nearly 380 million kWh of electricity per year to the national power system but has also been recognized by the locality as a unit that seriously implements environmental protection work and actively participates in social security in the area.

Taking us on a tour of the factory, Mr. Tran Van Huan - Deputy Head of the Technical Materials Department of Bac Ha Hydropower Joint Stock Company shared about the process of handling hazardous waste after maintenance and repair processes arising from the factory. All types of grease and hazardous waste arising are classified, collected, and safely stored in a specialized warehouse of more than 80 m², then a contract is signed with a competent unit to take them for treatment according to regulations.

From January 2025, Bac Ha Hydropower Joint Stock Company was granted an environmental license valid for 7 years (2025 - 2032). Accordingly, the factory is allowed to discharge wastewater into the environment but must ensure that it meets technical standards; at the same time, it must fully comply with requirements on noise and vibration limits, waste management, prevention and response to environmental incidents. The Department of Environmental Pollution Control and the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lao Cai province are responsible for closely monitoring this process.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tinh - Deputy General Director of Bac Ha Hydropower Joint Stock Company said: In recent years, the Company has operated the waste treatment system in accordance with the environmental license. Regarding social security, the Company has coordinated with the locality to install wastewater treatment systems for a number of schools. The Company also focuses on planting trees to restore and protect the landscape; signing contracts with units with the function of collecting and treating waste; regularly maintaining equipment to ensure safe operation without affecting the environment. Every year, the training of officers and employees is enhanced, helping to improve expertise in hazardous waste management.

The highlight of Bac Ha Hydropower Plant’s environmental work is that it has restored more than 14 hectares of post-construction waste dump, covered it with soil and planted trees to prevent landslides and stabilize the landscape. The unit also coordinated with local authorities to carry out many tree planting campaigns around the factory and the roads leading to the project, creating a green - clean - beautiful space, contributing to responding to climate change.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Dang Van Phuong - Chairman of Bao Nhai Commune People's Committee commented: During its operation, Bac Ha Hydropower Plant has complied well with the law on environmental protection. The plant has a green, clean and beautiful landscape; waste is collected and treated basically according to regulations. In particular, the restoration and planting of trees around the reservoir has contributed to stabilizing people's lives, without causing environmental pollution.

In parallel with production tasks, Bac Ha Hydropower Joint Stock Company also actively participates in social activities. In 2024, the unit spent 75 million VND to support the construction of local facilities; in the first 8 months of 2025, the amount of support reached an additional 50 million VND. This is a resource to help upgrade schools, cultural houses, and roads, contributing to improving people's lives.

Operational management at Bac Ha Hydropower Plant.

In particular, the company fully implements its obligation to pay forest environmental service fees, an important policy to protect upstream forests. In 2024, the payment amount reached 13.2 billion VND; in the first 8 months of 2025, 6.8 billion VND was paid. This amount contributes to creating stable livelihoods for people participating in forest protection and protecting the water resources of the Chay River.

Efforts in waste management, tree planting, forest environmental fee payment and community support show that Bac Ha Hydropower Plant has been active in protecting a green, clean, beautiful and safe living environment for the people, while contributing to the sustainable development of the locality.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/gan-loi-ich-thuy-dien-voi-bao-ve-moi-truong-va-an-sinh-xa-hoi-post882457.html