Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs the meeting on the deployment of the 500 kV Line 3 Quang Trach-Pho Noi project, solutions to ensure electricity supply during the peak period in 2024, 2025 and the following years – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Also attending the working session were Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son, Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises Nguyen Hoang Anh, leaders of ministries, sectors, and localities with projects, and state corporations and groups in the energy sector.
Regarding electricity supply, according to reports, in the first five months of 2024, against the backdrop of increasing electricity consumption, unfavorable hydrological conditions, and to save water in hydropower reservoirs, thermal power sources, especially coal-fired thermal power in the North, have been mobilized at a high level.
Combining solutions to enhance electricity transmission from the South and Central regions to support the North, electricity supply for the whole system in the first months of 2024 has been carried out well, ensuring sufficient electricity for production and daily life across the country.
The country’s electricity production and import in the first five months were estimated at 124.2 billion kWh, up 12.1% over the same period in 2023. Commercial electricity in the first five months was estimated at 110.24 billion kWh, up 14.1% year on year.
Especially, at the end of April, the prolonged scorching heat in the three regions led to a record high electricity consumption, with the country’s peak capacity reaching 47,670 MW (on April 27), up 13.2% year on year, and the highest daily electricity output reaching 993 million kWh (on April 26).
In the coming time, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the national power system will basically meet the demand for socio-economic development and the needs of people in most of the time in 2024.
The basis for this is the proactive preparation of fuel supply for power generation. The total amount of water currently available in hydropower reservoirs, converted to electricity output, is about 11.3 billion kWh, which is a reserve of electricity for the upcoming peak period.
Regarding power balance, the Central and Southern regions can meet the power balance. However, the North potentially faces a risk of peak power shortage, especially in the peak hot months (from June to August) in case unfavorable factors occur at the same time.
The Prime Minister clarified that the construction of the 500 kV Line 3 is a key and important task, requiring the mobilization of all resources and good coordination among forces; relevant parties need to make efforts to address difficulties and obstacles in project implementation – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Regarding the 500 kV Line 3 Quang Trach-Pho Noi, at present, the weather is in the transition period, so erratic rain, sunshine, and thunderstorms make it difficult for construction. However, ministries, localities, the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) are making efforts, together with contractors, to overcome difficulties and are determined to complete the projects as per the schedule assigned by the Prime Minister.
So far, 1,177/1,177 foundation pits (100%) and 478/513 spans (93%) have been handed over. Regarding the supply of steel poles, 667/1,177 positions have been handed over.
In terms of construction, the foundation of 1,162/1,177 positions has been completed, and the foundation of 15/1,177 positions is under construction; 398/1,177 positions have been erected, and 222/1,177 positions are being erected; 10/513 spans have been strung, and 7/513 spans are being strung.
EVN is vigorously urging construction contractors to focus on human resources and equipment to soon complete the construction of foundation pits, pole erection, and wire spreading according to the committed schedule; and urging equipment suppliers (steel poles, conductors, insulators, optical cables, etc.) to urgently complete the manufacturing and transportation to the site for erection.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha speaks at the meeting – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Control the progress of Line 3 on a weekly and daily basis
Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh clarified that the construction of the 500 kV Line 3 is a key and important task, and also a difficult task, requiring the mobilization of all resources and good coordination among forces.
The Prime Minister acknowledged and highly appreciated the results in the implementation of the 500 kV Line 3, many of which have been done well, such as site clearance, foundation, pole erection, and wire stringing.
This is thanks to the very active participation of the secretaries of the provincial Party Committees and the chairmen of the provincial People’s Committees; the participation and support of the people, especially those who have given up their residential and production areas for the project; the efforts of EVN and EVNNPT; the active involvement of ministries and sectors; and the enthusiastic work of 8,000-10,000 officers, engineers, workers, and employees at the site.
The Prime Minister pointed out six lessons: (1) Grasp the requirements, tasks, and situation to have suitable solutions to promote the assigned tasks, promptly respond to policies, and handle unexpected issues and obstacles; (2) work scientifically, design and complete the dossier thoroughly, and organize the implementation methodically and in accordance with the law; (3) mobilize human, financial, and material resources suitable for the requirements of each period and stage; (4) rely on the people because resources come from thinking, motivation comes from innovation, and strength comes from the people; (5) pay attention to doing well the work of propaganda, mobilization, and launching emulation movements, promoting positive values, advanced and typical individuals, good ways of doing things, and good experiences; and (6) coordinate smoothly, closely, synchronously, and effectively among ministries, sectors, and localities.
Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son speaks at the meeting – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
The Prime Minister pointed out that besides the very basic results achieved, relevant parties need to make more efforts to address difficulties and obstacles in project implementation regarding poles, spans, human resources, and customs clearance of equipment.
Accordingly, the provinces of Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Hung Yen still have many spans (each province has from 3 to 9 spans) that have not been handed over, so they must urgently complete this task.
EVN should focus on urging equipment manufacturers to ensure the supply of poles; review equipment imports, and work with partners to promote this work, suitable for the requirements of progress and quality.
Regarding human resources for wire stringing and pole erection, EVN should calculate and work closely with units with capacity and experience such as PVN, Viettel, and VNPT. These units will provide maximum support in terms of human resources and equipment as requested by EVN.
Regarding the obstacles related to customs clearance of goods, which are equipment for the project, EVN should summarize specific information (customs clearance border gates and time of customs clearance), coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport to handle this issue; the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport should work with the relevant agencies of the countries; and the Ministry of Finance should direct the customs forces at border gates to facilitate and promote customs clearance.
The Prime Minister requested EVN to review and rebuild the project schedule, control on a daily and weekly basis, and complete wire stringing by June 20, then carry out testing and acceptance for commissioning no later than June 30.
Project implementation must ensure progress, improve quality, ensure safety and environmental sanitation, especially when constructing on many terrains in the hot season, rainy season, and high risk of landslides; and prevent corruption and negativity.
Ministries, agencies, investors, contractors, and employees must have higher determination and make greater efforts to overcome all difficulties and challenges to complete the assigned tasks according to their functions, tasks, and powers; and coordinate closely and effectively, and specifically notify requirements for each other.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien speaks at the meeting – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Regarding specific tasks, the Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien to continue directing, inspecting, and urging in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directions.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and EVN should urgently organize the appraisal and complete the compensation policy framework for the project, and it must be completed this week.
The Ministry of Transport should direct relevant agencies to soon complete the agreement on construction solutions at the positions where the line crosses roads and railways.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade should continue to maintain weekly meetings on the project; and direct the Vietnamese trade offices in the countries from which EVN imports equipment to promote this work, considering it a key task in May and June.
The secretaries of the provincial Party Committees should continue to pay attention to directing, inspecting, and urging the implementation of the project in the localities; the chairmen of the provincial People’s Committees should perform the tasks within their competence. The localities should continue to coordinate with ministries and sectors, especially EVN and EVNNPT, to mobilize resources and human resources to implement the project, including the youth union members; ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the people in the areas where the project passes through, urgently complete site clearance with the motto “leaving no household behind”, hand over the site, and ensure the construction site and wire stringing.
EVN should regularly inspect and urge contractors to focus on human resources and equipment to implement the project with the spirit of “only discussing doing, not discussing retreating”, “overcoming the sunshine and winning over the rain”, “eating hastily and sleeping urgently”, working in “3 shifts and 4 groups”, working on holidays, through holidays, and Tet … while ensuring the regeneration of labor capacity and the legitimate rights and interests of employees; handle the procedures for settlement and payment promptly, and be determined to complete the project and put it into operation on June 30.
Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises Nguyen Hoang Anh speaks at the meeting – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Electricity supply: Overcoming challenges in the hottest April in history
Regarding electricity supply, the Prime Minister clarified that the rapid economic growth, recovery of production and business in the first quarter and April and May of 2024, with positive changes in many industries, fields, and localities, led to a sharp increase in electricity demand. According to forecasts, electricity demand for the whole year will increase by about 9%, but in the past few months, it has increased by 13%, and electricity demand in the North at peak hours increased by up to 17% over the same period. Up to now, thanks to the experience drawn from 2023, the agencies have better operated, basically meeting the electricity demand, especially overcoming the challenges in the hottest April in history.
However, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to make more efforts and never be subjective and negligent, forecast the situation closely, prepare the best plan, and be ready for the worst scenario to ensure electricity supply for production, business, and consumption in the coming time, especially in June 2024 when the 500 kV Line 3 is expected to be completed at the end of June.
The Prime Minister clarified specific tasks related to power sources, power transmission, power distribution, power use, and electricity prices; and assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to directly direct the agencies to perform the assigned tasks according to their functions, tasks, and powers.
Accordingly, the Prime Minister requested to diversify power sources, including imports, but make the most of domestic sources; coordinate properly, suitably, and effectively the sources, including thermal power, hydropower, solar power, wind power, biomass power, etc.; and power plants must calculate the time for maintenance and repair suitably, not stopping operating at the same time.
The Prime Minister requested the ministries, agencies, investors, contractors, and employees to have higher determination and make greater efforts to overcome all difficulties and challenges to complete the assigned tasks according to their functions, tasks, and powers; and coordinate closely and effectively, and specifically notify requirements for each other – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
The Vietnam National Coal, Mineral Industries Group and the Dong Bac Corporation should exploit and meet the maximum demand for coal, and minimize coal imports; in this regard, it is necessary to consider overall benefits, not local benefits; and the competent agencies should do well in preventing, combating, and repelling illegal and smuggled coal extraction and trading.
