Record-Breaking Progress: EVN’s $320 Million Project Spanning 4 Provinces Sets New Benchmark

During the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that under the direct and resolute leadership of the Prime Minister, along with the coordinated efforts of relevant ministries, localities, and the unwavering determination of EVN, the Power Project Management Unit 1, and contractors, the project was completed in just over six months. This remarkable achievement shortened the timeline by nearly eight months compared to the approved schedule, setting a record-breaking pace in construction—a testament to the electricity sector’s pride and capabilities.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the rapid completion of the project, despite challenging terrain, complex geological conditions, unpredictable weather, and a substantial workload, reflects the electricity sector’s maturity and significant growth. This success also underscores the efforts of local authorities in land clearance and ensuring smooth construction conditions.

Regarding the project’s significance, Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Đức Phớc stressed that the 500kV Lào Cai – Vĩnh Yên transmission line plays a pivotal role in ensuring national energy security. It concretely aligns with the Politburo’s Directive No. 70 on safeguarding national energy security.

Furthermore, the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply under all circumstances, laying a robust foundation for achieving over 8% economic growth in 2025 and double-digit growth in subsequent years.

To meet these ambitious economic and social development goals, the electricity sector must focus on expanding its capacity, increasing annual power generation by 15-18% (equivalent to 8,000-10,000MW) to support economic development and attract investment.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that during the recent summer, extreme heatwaves in Northern Vietnam pushed the national power grid’s peak consumption to a record 54,500MW on August 4th, a 5,000MW (10%) increase compared to the same period last year. This surge underscores the critical importance of electricity in supporting production, business, and daily life, especially amid unpredictable and extreme weather conditions.

In this context, the project is particularly vital, adding approximately 3,000MW of transmission capacity from hydropower plants in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces to the national grid. Additionally, the project facilitates electricity cooperation with China, ensuring proactive and flexible management of power supply and enhancing national energy security.

The 500kV Lào Cai – Vĩnh Yên transmission line is a nationally significant project led by EVN, with the Power Project Management Unit 1 (EVNPMB 1) overseeing its execution. The total investment exceeds 7,410 billion VND, spanning four provinces: Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Phú Thọ, and Vĩnh Phúc. The line originates at the 500kV Lào Cai substation and terminates at the 500kV Vĩnh Yên substation.

The project features a double-circuit line stretching 229.5km, supported by 468 tower foundations, capable of transmitting approximately 3,000MW from hydropower plants in the Northwest and adjacent provinces to the national grid. It also enhances electricity import capacity.

The transmission line strengthens connectivity within the national power system, improving operational safety and stability, reducing energy losses in the transmission grid, and boosting EVN’s operational efficiency.

Once operational, the project will significantly contribute to ensuring power supply and energy security in Northern Vietnam, fostering socio-economic development, national defense, and the country’s industrialization and modernization efforts.