Son La HPP Unit 1 successfully synchronised to Vietnam power grid

Alstom congratulates Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) on Son La Hydro Power Plant Unit 1 successful commissioning and synchronisation to the grid, and proudly joins in the celebrations for this achievement on 7 January 2011.

On 17 December 2010, Son La HPP Unit 1 started generating power and was synchronised to Vietnam's grid. By 23 December 2010, Unit 1 successfully completed its 72-hours trial run on full load at 400MW. This represents a key milestone for Son La HPP Unit 1, which is now on schedule for commercial operation.

For Alstom this also means, all Alstom supplied equipment for Son La HPP Unit 1 have successfully passed the reliability and performance tests for design, manufacturing and erection to full satisfaction of the customer and authorities. With Son La HPP Unit 1, Alstom has an excellent track record of milestones, namely 9 December 2009 delivery of Unit 1 runner and 20 August 2010 lifting of Unit 1 rotor into the pit. This reinforces Alstoms leadership in the Hydro industry as well as for the Son La HPP project.

Michel Burtin, Alstom Country President Vietnam said, We are extremely proud to have supported EVN in this achievement. Our Alstom Hydro and local team have done an excellent job. We look towards continued opportunities to support Vietnams energy growth with Alstoms technology and expertise.

In October 2007, Alstom signed the 2,400MW Son La Hydro Power Plant contract for the design, engineering, manufacturing and delivery of six 400 MW Francis turbines and generators, BOP (Balance Of Plant) as well as training and supervision of installation, testing and commissioning. Son La HPP is the largest hydro power plant in Vietnam and South East Asia too.

About Alstom
Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 95 000 people in more than 70 countries, and had sales of over 23 billion* in 2009/10.
*Pro forma figures

Press Contacts
Susanne Shields (Alstom Power) Tél. +33 1 41 49 27 22 - susanne.shields@power.alstom.com
Beverly Ho (Alstom Power Asia ) Tél. +60 3 2055 6129 - beverly.ho@power.alstom.com

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