The National Power Transmission Corporation on December 11 launched a 500 kV power line project running from the northwestern province of Lai Chau to Son La.

The 4 trillion VND (188 million USD) project, spanning a total length of 158.5 kilometres, crosses the districts of Muong La, Thuan Chua, Tuan Giao, Muong Cha and Muong Lay.

It aims to connect the Lai Chau hydropower plant with the national power grid, while linking small hydropower plants in the northwestern region to the national power network, ensuring power supply from the plants to stations in the northern region.

At the same time, the projects also enable the northern and national power system to operate smoothly and effectively.

The project is scheduled to become operational in late 2015, parallel with the progress of the Lai Chau hydropower plant.-VNA