Vietnam state utility EVN discusses hydropower cooperation with RusHydro, ChinaPower

State-owned Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Russia's RusHydro on Thursday discussed potential cooperation in hydropower development, dam safety, and pumped-storage hydropower during a meeting in Hanoi.

The meeting was attended by EVN deputy CEO Nguyen Tai Anh and a RusHydro delegation led by Sergey Machekhin, deputy general director for project engineering, sustainable development and international cooperation.

During the meeting, RusHydro presented an overview of its experience in investing in and operating hydropower plants, water resource management, pumped-storage hydropower development, and the provision of engineering, consulting and technical services for energy projects.

The Russian company said it hopes to build on the longstanding energy cooperation between Vietnam and Russia by sharing expertise and jointly exploring solutions to improve the safety, reliability and operational lifespan of hydropower facilities.

Among the technologies highlighted by RusHydro was microseismic surveying, which can be used to assess the condition of dams and hydraulic structures by examining geological formations and internal structural integrity.

According to the company, the technology can help detect anomalies within hydropower infrastructure, providing additional information for safety assessments, and supporting decisions on rehabilitation and modernization.

RusHydro also expressed interest in cooperating on studies and site surveys at selected hydropower facilities in Vietnam, while sharing experience in pumped-storage hydropower development, workforce training, and the transfer of scientific and engineering technologies for the energy and water resources sectors.

EVN deputy CEO Nguyen Tai Anh said he welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Vietnam and Russia in the energy sector, noting the contributions made by Soviet and later Russian experts to the construction and development of many of Vietnam's key energy projects.

He said EVN appreciated solutions that could strengthen dam safety assessments, modernize equipment, and improve the operational efficiency of hydropower plants.

Anh proposed that technical teams from both sides continue discussions to clarify the scope, technical requirements, and effectiveness and applicability of individual solutions before selecting suitable areas for further study and submission to relevant Vietnamese authorities.

The two sides agreed to continue exchanging information and exploring cooperation opportunities in hydropower, pumped-storage hydropower, dam safety and the application of new technologies in the management and operation of energy infrastructure.

Earlier, on July 10, EVN discussed potential cooperation in upgrading hydropower facilities, developing pumped-storage hydropower, and supporting Vietnam's energy transition with PowerChina during a meeting in Hanoi.

The meeting was attended by EVN deputy CEO Pham Hong Phuong and a PowerChina delegation led by Du Haiyang, deputy general manager for Asia-Pacific. Representatives from PowerChina Vietnam and the Beijing Engineering Corporation, a PowerChina subsidiary, also participated.

PowerChina said it aims to deepen cooperation with EVN by exploring solutions to rehabilitate, modernize and expand the capacity of existing hydropower plants, while advancing pumped-storage hydropower projects and sharing expertise in renewable energy and power grid infrastructure.

Phuong said he welcomed PowerChina's experience and encouraged the company to continue studying Vietnam's power sector development plans in order to propose technically feasible and cost-effective solutions that comply with the country's regulatory framework.

According to EVN, Vietnam's electricity demand is expected to continue rising in the coming years, requiring the coordinated development of both power generation and transmission infrastructure to ensure a secure and reliable electricity supply for economic growth.

The utility said existing hydropower plants will continue to play a critical role during the country's energy transition by providing system flexibility, frequency regulation, and voltage control.

Decisions on rehabilitating, upgrading or expanding hydropower facilities should be based on investment efficiency, technical feasibility, structural safety, and system operation requirements.

Phuong also highlighted the long-term potential of pumped-storage hydropower, particularly after 2030, when wind and solar power are expected to account for a larger share of Vietnam's electricity mix.

Pumped-storage facilities will be an important tool for balancing electricity supply and demand and maintaining grid stability, he added.

The two sides also reviewed the progress of pumped-storage hydropower projects under development or study in Vietnam and exchanged international experience in topographical and geological surveys, technology selection, engineering design, and project implementation.