The Hanoitimes - The Ministry of Industry and Trade and provincial authorities have agreed not to go ahead with 338 hydro-power plant projects with a total capacity of more than 1,000MW.
Another 169 potential projects will also be dropped from consideration.
These movements follow a recent inspection by officials from several ministries and the provincial People's Committees in 21 provinces.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the rejected projects offered low economic benefits and potentially had negative impacts on the environment and local society.
Some were seen as threatening other economic priority areas. This has led to a lack of interest by investors.
The ministry also suspended work on another 117 projects until 2015. The projects will be continued after then if they can attract investors and suit local socio-economic planning.
At present, Viet Nam has 899 hydro power plant projects with total capacity of 24,880 MW.
This includes 260 in operation, 211 under construction and hopefully operational by 2017.
Another 266 projects are being considered for development.
