Powering Through: Ensuring Uninterrupted Progress on Key Energy Infrastructure Projects During Tết

Working through Tet Holiday…

The Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant Project (2 units, total capacity of 1,403MW) invested by Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and implemented by Power Project Management Board 2 (EVNPMB2) is located in Vinh Son village, Quang Dong commune, Quang Trach district, Quang Binh province.

Following the direction of the Prime Minister, the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant Project will synchronize Unit 1 before September 2, 2025. The Management Board and all officers, employees, and workers are ready to work during the Tet holiday to ensure the fulfillment of this goal, including meeting safety standards, approved quality, and progress, as well as complying with legal regulations in investment and construction.

The contractors have mobilized about 500-600 engineers and workers, along with 200 equipment, vehicles, and machinery to support the installation work on-site. Everyone shares the same determination to synchronize Unit 1 as directed by the Prime Minister.

According to the report of the Power Project Management Board 2, the project progress has completed about 81% of the workload so far. Some construction packages have achieved significant results: the freshwater pipeline is basically completed; the pumping station reaches 87% completion; the fabrication and installation of the coal yard roof steel structure and windbreak wall are about 70% done, etc.

Currently, the contractor is urgently installing the system of pipes for receiving and discharging cooling water. This item has a large installation volume with a total pipe length of nearly 11km, including pipes with a diameter of 3.8m, a length of 18m, and a weight of 30 tons.

The construction commander, Mr. Pham Duc Ngoc, shared: “The team of engineers and workers has been divided into 6 simultaneous construction groups to accelerate the progress, with an average construction speed of 20-30m/day under favorable weather conditions.”

At the construction site of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion Project, the working atmosphere on the eve of the Tet Holiday is still very urgent. This is a special-grade construction project, with a scale of 2 units and a total designed capacity of 480MW, built on the right bank of the existing Hoa Binh Hydropower dam. The project is implemented by Power Project Management Board 1 on behalf of EVN.

On the 27th day of the last month of the lunar year (the 28th of Tet), the construction force of Construction Joint Stock Company 47 (C47) – the project contractor, is working on the first water tunnel with the goal of completing 2 sliding mold blocks. The construction of the water tunnel is currently a very important item of the project, ensuring the progress of electricity generation of both units in 2025. Mr. Tran Huu Phap, Deputy Commander of the C47 Construction Site, said that realizing the urgency of the project, C47 organized a team of workers to be on duty and ready to work during this Tet Holiday, joining forces, and determined to work with the investor to bring the project to the finish line on time in 2025.

Mr. Doan Ba Thuc, Deputy Director of the Hoa Binh Expansion Project Management Board, representing Power Project Management Board 1 (EVNPMB1), said that EVNPMB1 has urged the contractor to ensure safety, security, and order and mobilize the construction force before, during, and after the Tet Holiday.

With high morale and determination, the Hoa Binh Expansion Project is on track with the set progress. By the end of January 2025, in terms of construction, items such as concrete and reinforced steel in the water intake area, concrete structures of Shaft 1 and 2, etc., are on schedule or ahead of the project plan.

Taking good care of workers at the construction site

At the construction sites working through the Tet Holiday, the well-being of the workers is taken care of by EVN, unions, and relevant units. The Tet working allowances for workers are implemented in accordance with the law. Mr. Doan Ba Thuc, Deputy Director of the Hoa Binh Expansion Project Management Board, said that workers during Tet would receive 300% of their regular daily wage, plus extra Tet gifts. In addition, a traditional and economical Tet celebration is organized on-site to encourage and motivate the workers.

At the construction site of the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant, the general contractor’s representative shared that the working shifts are scientifically arranged to ensure the workers’ health and optimize construction efficiency. The management board also fully provides personal protective equipment, especially for outdoor construction in rainy and cold weather, such as raincoats, anti-slip shoes, gloves, safety helmets, and warm clothing.

Working through the Tet Holiday, the meals on-site include green sticky rice cakes and other familiar dishes during the traditional Tet Holiday. “I miss my family, but I feel proud to contribute to a large project like the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant Project, which plays an important role in ensuring energy security,” shared Mr. Nguyen Vinh Thanh, a worker from Lilama 10.

To encourage the officers, employees, and workers at the construction sites, the Vietnam Electricity Union has visited and presented gifts at the construction sites of Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant and Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, sharing the spirit of volunteering to stick to the construction sites during Tet, as well as increasing salary and nutrition allowances to reassure the workers.