Construction began on April 21 of the 500-kV Lao Cai substation and 220kV connection transmission lines project in Bao Thang commune in northern Lao Cai province, with total investment of more than VND1.5 trillion ($68.3 million). Once completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, it will receive the capacity of small hydropower sources in the northwest and Lao Cai, Ha Giang, and Yen Bai provinces.