Lam Dong: How to 'Save' La Ngau Hydropower from Being 'Swallowed' by La Nga 3 Reservoir?

A long-standing planning conflict threatens the La Ngau hydropower project in Vietnam's Lam Dong province, as its construction site overlaps with the planned area for the La Nga 3 irrigation reservoir. Despite being approved and initiated years ago, the hydropower project has been stalled due to this significant spatial dispute.

The La Ngau hydropower project, with a capacity of 46 MW, was first granted an investment policy in 2008 and updated in the national power development plan. However, the La Nga 3 reservoir, approved in 2006, is designed with a normal water level of 165 meters and a capacity of 390 million cubic meters. This scale means the reservoir's water surface could cover the hydropower project's location.

Provincial authorities have convened to address the issue, aiming to find a resolution that allows both projects to coexist or prioritizes one over the other. The primary concern is to ensure the La Nga 3 reservoir fulfills its crucial role in supplying water for daily life, industrial production, and agricultural irrigation across Lam Dong, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City. The provincial Department of Construction stressed that any solution must not compromise the reservoir's core functions.

Discussions involve the La Ngau Hydropower Joint Stock Company, the La Nga 3 Irrigation Reservoir Management Board, and relevant departments. They are re-evaluating the reservoir's scale and objectives to resolve the overlap. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has tentatively agreed to the reservoir's planned water level and capacity, emphasizing that the hydropower project's resolution must safeguard the reservoir's water supply mission.

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The La Ngau hydropower project is located within the scope of the La Nga 3 reservoir. If the irrigation reservoir is filled to its designed level, the hydropower project will almost be 'swallowed' by the reservoir, making construction impossible.