On the sun-drenched and windy land of Ninh Thuận (today part of Khánh Hòa province), nestled among towering mountains and tranquil headwater streams, the Bác Ái Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant rises as a new symbol of the green energy era. And imprinted on this journey is the mark of Construction Joint Stock Company 47 (CC47), whose contributions have added a radiant chapter to the history of Vietnam’s energy sector.
When “energy” becomes aspiration
Bác Ái is not only Vietnam’s first pumped storage hydropower plant, but also the largest in Southeast Asia, with a capacity of 1,200 MW, consisting of 4 units of 300 MW each, and a total investment of over VND 21,100 billion. As a national key project, it was approved in the Revised Power Development Plan VII (2016), heralding a new chapter for the country’s power industry.
Unlike conventional hydropower, Bác Ái operates as a “giant electricity reservoir”: “When electricity demand is low, the plant uses surplus power to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir; when demand rises, water is released back down to generate electricity, thereby stabilizing the operation of the national grid.” This is the answer to the challenge of system balancing, optimizing the efficiency of wind and solar power – renewable sources that are highly variable by nature.
In Ninh Thuận (now Khánh Hòa) – the driest region in the country – annual rainfall in 2021 was around 2.51 billion m³ but unevenly distributed, concentrated mostly in the flood season, with much of it flowing directly to the sea. The Cái River, the province’s lifeline, can peak at over 5,000 m³/s during floods but dwindles drastically in the dry season. To regulate flows and ensure water security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) launched the Tân Mỹ Irrigation System in Phước Hòa commune, Bác Ái district (now Bác Ái Tây, Khánh Hòa). The Sông Cái Reservoir within this system has a storage capacity of 219 million m³, formed by five dams with a total length of 2,770 m and a maximum height of 66 m.
The project’s preparation involved complex “brain-teasers” – from selecting dam alignments to choosing construction materials. With decisiveness and innovation, the main dam – 603 m long at the crest and up to 67 m high – built by CC47 not only supplies water for domestic use, industry, agriculture, and aquaculture across tens of thousands of hectares, but also serves as a vital downstream reservoir feeding the Bác Ái Pumped Storage Plant. This connection enables year-round stable operation, maximizing water resources while supporting national grid load balancing.
Tân Mỹ Irrigation System Project
CC47 – Pioneering spirit on a historic project
In Phase 1, CC47 served as the main contractor for the outlet works and completed the task 15 days ahead of schedule. This success stemmed not only from advanced techniques and optimized planning, but also from the resilient spirit forged over half a century.
If Phase 1 showcased CC47’s top-tier construction capacity, then Phase 2 stands as a declaration of perseverance and technological ambition, as the company once again took on the responsibility for the second-phase package. On February 22, 2025, the project entered a new stage with a solemn groundbreaking ceremony, attended by EVN leadership, the Project Management Board No. 3, Ninh Thuận Provincial People’s Committee, central agencies, international financiers (French Development Agency – AfD, German Development Bank – KfW) , and the consortium of contractors. Standing out in this momentous event was Mr. Dương Minh Quang – Member of the Board of Directors and General Director – together with CC47’s staff, as the company’s flag waved high, affirming its capability and determination to conquer landmark projects.
A strategic puzzle piece in the green energy map
Once completed, the Bác Ái Pumped Storage Plant will become an indispensable component in Vietnam’s renewable energy development strategy. Beyond ensuring energy security, the project will drive socio-economic growth in the South Central region, opening opportunities for infrastructure, services, and improved livelihoods for local communities.
For CC47, Bác Ái is more than just another project – it is a testament to strategic vision: from traditional irrigation and hydropower works, the company is now ready to break through and pioneer in fields requiring advanced technologies and world-class engineering solutions.
Over half a century of formation and growth, CC47 has built a solid foundation for greater strides ahead. In the nation’s era of renewal, the company aims to master key fields such as renewable energy, water resources, and transport infrastructure – affirming the strength of a Vietnamese brand on the international stage. The 50-year journey is not only a proud milestone but also a message to future generations of leaders:“Every great success begins with careful preparation and a strong foundation.” With the aspiration to “Breakthrough Transformation – Reaching Global Heights”, CC47 is ready to write new, promising chapters ahead.
Some highlighted images from the project:
Outlet structures of the Bác Ái Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant under construction (data from 2021)
C47