Vietnam, with its extensive river systems and mountainous terrain, has built several large dams to harness hydroelectric power, manage water resources, and control floods. These dams play a significant role in Vietnam’s energy infrastructure and water management strategy. In this article, we explore the top 10 largest dams in Vietnam, focusing on their power output, location, river, and capacity.
1. Sơn La Dam
- Location: Sơn La Province
- River: Đà River
- Power Output: 2,400 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 9.26 billion cubic meters
Sơn La Dam is the largest dam in Vietnam and one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Southeast Asia. Located on the Đà River, it produces 2,400 MW of electricity, supplying a significant portion of Vietnam’s energy needs. The dam is also crucial for flood control and irrigation in the region.
2. Hòa Bình Dam
- Location: Hòa Bình Province
- River: Đà River
- Power Output: 1,920 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 9 billion cubic meters
Hòa Bình Dam, located on the Đà River, was Vietnam’s largest hydroelectric power project before Sơn La Dam. It generates 1,920 MW of electricity and plays a critical role in flood control and water storage. The dam also supports agriculture by providing irrigation water to surrounding farmlands.
3. Lai Châu Dam
- Location: Lai Châu Province
- River: Đà River
- Power Output: 1,200 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 1.21 billion cubic meters
Lai Châu Dam, another major dam on the Đà River, is one of Vietnam’s most significant hydroelectric projects. It generates 1,200 MW of electricity and provides flood control and irrigation support for the region. Lai Châu Dam is part of Vietnam’s strategy to expand its renewable energy infrastructure.
4. Ialy Dam
- Location: Gia Lai Province
- River: Sêsan River
- Power Output: 720 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 1.03 billion cubic meters
Ialy Dam, located on the Sêsan River, is one of Vietnam’s largest dams in the Central Highlands. With a power output of 720 MW, it supplies electricity to the central and southern parts of the country. The dam’s reservoir is also used for flood control and supports local agriculture through irrigation.
5. Thác Mơ Dam
- Location: Bình Phước Province
- River: Bé River
- Power Output: 150 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 1.36 billion cubic meters
Thác Mơ Dam, located on the Bé River, is an important hydroelectric project in southern Vietnam. It generates 150 MW of electricity and helps regulate the flow of the Bé River for irrigation and flood control. The dam’s reservoir is a significant water source for local communities.
6. Đồng Nai 3 Dam
- Location: Lâm Đồng Province
- River: Đồng Nai River
- Power Output: 180 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 1.8 billion cubic meters
Đồng Nai 3 Dam is located on the Đồng Nai River, one of Vietnam’s most important rivers. It generates 180 MW of electricity and supports water management for irrigation and flood control. The dam’s reservoir is vital for agriculture and water supply in the region.
7. Trị An Dam
- Location: Đồng Nai Province
- River: Đồng Nai River
- Power Output: 400 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 2.54 billion cubic meters
Trị An Dam, located downstream on the Đồng Nai River, generates 400 MW of hydroelectric power. It plays a key role in flood control and irrigation in southern Vietnam. The reservoir created by the dam provides a water source for both agriculture and domestic use.
8. Sông Hinh Dam
- Location: Phú Yên Province
- River: Hinh River
- Power Output: 70 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 335 million cubic meters
Sông Hinh Dam is located on the Hinh River and generates 70 MW of electricity for the central region of Vietnam. The dam’s reservoir helps regulate water for irrigation and flood management, making it essential for local agriculture.
9. Đắk R’Tih Dam
- Location: Đắk Nông Province
- River: Đồng Nai River
- Power Output: 144 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 1.16 billion cubic meters
Đắk R’Tih Dam, located on the Đồng Nai River, generates 144 MW of hydroelectric power and is important for regional water management. The dam supports agriculture by providing irrigation water and helps mitigate flood risks during the rainy season.
10. A Vương Dam
- Location: Quảng Nam Province
- River: A Vương River
- Power Output: 210 megawatts (MW)
- Capacity: 343 million cubic meters
A Vương Dam, located in the central region of Vietnam, generates 210 MW of power and provides flood control and irrigation for nearby communities. The reservoir helps manage water flow in the A Vương River, which is critical for agriculture and water supply.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s largest dams are critical to the country’s hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and irrigation efforts. With dams like Sơn La, Hòa Bình, and Lai Châu providing significant energy output, they are essential components of the nation’s renewable energy strategy. These dams not only contribute to Vietnam’s electricity needs but also play a vital role in managing water resources, supporting agriculture, and reducing flood risks in the surrounding regions.
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