According to the Prime Minister's Decision No. 768/QD-TTg, dated April 15, 2025, approving the revised Power Development Plan VIII, and Decision No. 586/QD-UBND, dated February 27, 2026, by the provincial People’s Committee approving the adjusted provincial master plan to 2030, Son La has been allocated an additional 6,273.2 MW of power capacity from various sources, including 630.2 MW of small hydropower; 980 MW of wind power (11 projects); 3,674 MW of concentrated solar power (35 projects), 50 MW of rooftop solar power; 900 MW of pumped-storage hydropower (Dong Phu Yen); and 39 MW of biomass and waste-to-energy power.

For the 2031–2035 period, the province is allocated an additional 2,571.2 MW, including floating solar power projects on the Son La hydropower reservoir (1,050 MW), expanded pumped-storage hydropower (300 MW), the expanded Son La and Huoi Quang hydropower projects (800 MW and 260 MW, respectively).

To date, based on surveys and assessments of power development potential, a total of 122 small hydropower projects have been planned, including 57 already in operation; 13 that have been granted in-principle approval and are under construction, survey, assessment, and technical design preparation; and 23 that have proposed implementation schedules and are finalising dossiers for in-principle approval. The remainders have yet to receive investment proposals.

For concentrated solar power, there are 23 projects in total, of which 10 have submitted investment proposals. For wind power, a total of 11 projects have been planned. Nine wind measurement survey reports have been received, while two projects have yet to submit results. Four projects have submitted investment proposals so far.

At the event, participants discussed measures to address difficulties and bottlenecks in order to accelerate the implementation of power development projects under the revised Power Development Plan VIII in the province in the coming period. Key areas of focus include ensuring synchronisation in planning; accelerating project implementation; granting in-principle approvals; and promptly issuing electricity pricing frameworks to provide a basis for companies to invest in projects.

Addressing the event, the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee urged departments and sectors to promptly review and streamline administrative procedures to the fullest extent; effectively implement the “one-stop-shop” mechanism, ensuring transparency, openness, and clear accountability; and enhance direct engagement with investors to avoid repeated procedures and prolonged timelines.

For enterprises and investors, he called for proactive coordination, full submission of required documentation, and the mobilisation of resources to accelerate project progress, while safeguarding the rights and interests of local residents in resettlement efforts, with a focus on developing comprehensive, modern resettlement areas.