Recently, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) announced that at 10:18 AM today (October 7th), EVN and the Electricity Project Management Unit 1, in collaboration with contractors, successfully installed the rotor of Unit 2 at the expanded Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant site (Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province). This marks the completion of rotor installation for the entire project.
According to the Electricity Project Management Unit 1, the rotor of Unit 2 weighs approximately 585 tons, with a diameter of 11.24 meters and a height of 2.50 meters. Classified as super-sized and super-heavy equipment, its installation required a specialized construction process.
The entire assembly, alignment, and installation process was conducted under strict technical supervision, utilizing a large-capacity lifting system with a 900-ton capacity and counterweight balancing equipment. The rotor installation also demanded seamless coordination among all project participants.
Close-up of the rotor positioned at the stator of Unit 2. Photo: EVN
The successful installation of Unit 2’s rotor is a significant milestone, paving the way for subsequent electromechanical installation tasks.
Mr. Bui Phuong Nam, Director of EVNPMB1, stated that with the successful installation of Unit 2’s rotor, the project has completed approximately 90% of its work volume. Moving forward, the focus will be on aligning the unit and conducting tests to ensure Unit 2 begins power generation in November and the project is completed by 2025. This effort aims to commemorate the 14th National Congress of the Party.
Previously, on August 19, 2025, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), Unit 1 was successfully installed and synchronized with the grid.
According to EVN, the rotors of Units 1 and 2 in the expanded Hoa Binh Hydropower Project are the rotating components of the generators. To meet the set deadlines, all assembly work for the stators, rotors, and turbine installations of these units has been meticulously planned and inspected by the investor, consulting supervisors, and installation teams throughout the process.
A Nationally Significant Project
Preparation area for Unit 2 rotor assembly, photographed in July 2025. Photo: EVN
The expanded Hoa Binh Hydropower Project is considered a nationally significant project under the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. The project was approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 389/QĐ-TTg dated April 10, 2018.
EVN serves as the project investor, represented by the Electricity Project Management Unit 1.
With a total investment of over 9.22 trillion VND, the expanded Hoa Binh Hydropower Project aims to: first, enhance peak load capacity for the national power system; and second, improve the economic operation of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant within the system.
Additionally, upon completion, the project will enhance frequency control and stability of the national power system, reduce national grid operating costs, and decrease the workload on existing units, thereby extending equipment lifespan and reducing maintenance and repair expenses.
Construction site of the expanded Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, July 2025. Photo: VGP
The Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant officially began construction on November 6, 1979. By late 1988, the first unit commenced power generation, and the remaining seven units were operational within the following six years. The plant was inaugurated in 1994.
During construction, workers excavated over 20,000 cubic meters of earth, filled nearly 27,000 cubic meters, drilled and grouted 205,000 meters, and installed nearly 47,000 tons of equipment and metal structures. As Vietnam’s largest hydropower plant, it was dubbed the “Project of the Century,” boasting the largest physical and technical scale in Vietnam during the 20th century. It was also one of Southeast Asia’s largest hydropower projects at the time.
10:18 AM, October 7th: The $380 Million Expansion of Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Reaches Major Milestone
EVN and the Project Management Board for Electricity 1, in collaboration with contractors, have successfully installed the rotor for Unit 2 of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Expansion Project. This milestone marks the completion of rotor installation for the entire project.
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