On May 21, 2025, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long, a member of the National Steering Committee for important national programs, projects, and energy sector key projects, chaired two crucial online meetings regarding the progress of the 500 kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen power line project and the power grid system for Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 Thermal Power Plants.
The meetings were attended by representatives from provinces through which the project passes, including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc, as well as the Government Office, relevant ministries, and the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) group.
MANY “SOFT” BOTTLENECKS REMAIN IN LAND CLEARANCE
According to EVN’s report, the 500 kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen power line project has completed the handover of land for all 468 tower foundation sites. The construction of access roads is also mostly completed, and foundation excavation and tower erection are being carried out simultaneously. These achievements are the result of coordinated efforts between the investor and local authorities, in line with the direction of the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
However, EVN’s leaders also frankly admitted that many “soft” bottlenecks remain unresolved, including land pricing, procedures for harvesting trees, coordination between different levels of government, and customs clearance for specialized equipment.
“Time is running out,” said Mr. Bui Van Kien, Deputy General Director of the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT). “If we don’t take more drastic measures regarding land clearance, there is a real risk of delay in the progress of these vital projects.”
STRONG LOCAL INVOLVEMENT NEEDED FOR NHON TRACH 3 AND 4 PROJECTS
Also, on May 21, the Ministry of Industry and Trade held a specialized meeting on the construction progress of the power grid for two large gas-fired power projects in the south: Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4. These projects play a pivotal role in supplementing mid-term power sources, especially for the Southeast region, which is facing increasing electricity consumption pressure.
According to the reports, the current obstacles for these projects lie not only in technical aspects or connection issues but also in land clearance. Delays in completing land-related procedures, especially in specific pricing for foundation areas and transmission line corridors, have hindered the investor from simultaneously implementing various packages. Moreover, at some locations, there is no agreement between the locality and the investor on temporary access roads for construction, leading to prolonged stagnation.
After hearing the reports, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long stated that without strong involvement from the provinces, it would be impossible to put the projects into operation on schedule. “This responsibility cannot be pushed onto the businesses or the Ministry of Industry and Trade,” he emphasized. The Deputy Minister requested that the Provincial People’s Committees mobilize the entire political system and directly guide the districts and communes to promptly complete the necessary procedures, encourage people to harvest crops within the transmission line corridor, and create favorable conditions for EVN to carry out construction and stringing of power lines in May 2025.
Regarding EVN, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long directed them to strengthen manpower and equipment and take advantage of the current favorable weather conditions to accelerate construction, especially at sites where foundations have been completed. Additionally, EVN should closely monitor the progress of steel pole supply and coordinate with local authorities to promote public support for the projects.
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