500kV NMNĐ Transmission Line Projects Face Challenges in Construction and Equipment Supply
The 500kV NMNĐ Nam Định I – Thanh Hóa transmission line project, spanning approximately 74.4 km with 180 tower foundation locations, is currently facing challenges in construction and equipment supply. As of 6:00 pm on April 26, 2024, 163 out of 180 tower foundations have been completed, while the remaining foundations are under construction. Additionally, 81 tower structures have been installed, with 39 more in progress.
The 500kV NMNĐ Nam Định I – Phố Nối transmission line project, with a length of approximately 127 km and 334 tower foundation locations, has also encountered similar challenges. As of 6:00 pm on April 26, 2024, 236 out of 334 tower foundations have been completed, with the remaining foundations currently under construction. Installation of 64 tower structures has been completed, with 23 more in progress.
As per the directive issued by the Prime Minister, all tower foundations along the entire 500kV line 3 route from Quảng Trạch to Phố Nối must be completed within April 2024 to enable tower erection, cable installation, and project completion by June 2024.
Construction of a tower on the 500kV Nam Định – Thanh Hoá transmission line
The construction challenges faced by the aforementioned projects are primarily due to the transmission line’s route crossing areas with numerous ponds, wetlands, and paddy fields. These locations present challenging ground conditions and require complex construction techniques, impacting the project’s progress. Furthermore, the weak capacity of certain contractors, such as Việt Á and Sông Đà 11, has also affected the construction of pile foundations.
Installation of towers and cable deployment are also being affected by delays in the supply of equipment for the projects. Several equipment supply packages are facing potential delays, potentially hindering the overall project timeline.
Specifically, for the 500 kV Nam Định I – Thanh Hóa transmission project, two electrical insulation packages imported from Russia have experienced delays against the contractual schedule. This delay is attributed to transportation challenges within Russia and subsequent shipment to Vietnam. As of April 23, the cargo vessel is still awaiting departure.
Regarding the 500 kV Nam Định I Thermal Power Plant – Phố Nối transmission project, equipment suppliers have planned a three-phase delivery schedule, with the final phase scheduled for June 6, 2024. The Electricity of Vietnam Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) is working with the contractor to accelerate production, operating 24/7 in three shifts and four crews to expedite delivery. The revised delivery date for the final phase is expected to be between May 15-30, 2024.
EVN Chairman Đặng Hoàng An inspects the 500kV Nam Định – Phố Nối transmission line project on April 26.
In addition, the acquisition of land along the transmission line corridor has also been challenging. According to the project owner’s report, several localities have yet to approve compensation plans and support for the safe corridor area where houses and structures are present. In Thanh Hóa province, three districts (Hậu Lộc, Hà Trung, and Như Thanh) have not yet completed the process. In Nam Định province, four districts (Hải Hậu, Nghĩa Hưng, Trực Ninh, and Nam Trực) are still pending approval for compensation plans. The remaining provinces of Thái Bình, Hải Dương, Hưng Yên, and Nam Trực are also facing similar challenges.
EVNNPT General Director Phạm Lê Phú inspects the progress of the 500kV NMNĐ Nam Định I – Thanh Hóa transmission line project on April 26.
During a meeting on the progress of 500kV line 3 projects on April 23, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên – Deputy Head of the State Steering Committee for National Programs, Projects, and Key Energy Projects (Steering Committee) – requested EVN/EVNNPT to continue coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities to expedite the handover of land along the transmission line corridor and construction of tower foundations, as well as the supply of equipment for the projects.
On April 26, EVN/EVNNPT leaders inspected the progress of the two projects and instructed contractors to maintain their workforce. They emphasized the need to increase resources for construction sites in mountainous areas to accelerate progress. Contractors were further instructed to deploy additional equipment, mobilize more manpower, work in three shifts and four crews, 24/7, and work overtime during holidays to make up for lost time.
