500kV Hoa Binh Substation Upgraded to 1,800MVA, Strengthening Power Supply for Northern Vietnam Ahead of This Year’s Peak Heat Season

At 20:22 on April 29^th 2026, the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT), in coordination with the Power Transmission Project Management Board (NPTPMB) and the National Power System and Market Operation Co., Ltd. (NSMO), successfully energized the project to upgrade the capacity of the 500kV Hoa Binh Substation, increasing its capacity from 1,350MVA to 1,800MVA.

The 500kV Hoa Binh Substation capacity upgrade project is classified as a special-grade energy project (Group B), with EVNNPT as the investor. NPTPMB acted on behalf of the investor in project management and execution, while Power Transmission Company No. 1 will take over operation. The project was implemented at the existing 500kV Hoa Binh Substation, located in Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province (formerly Tan Thinh Ward, Hoa Binh City, Hoa Binh Province).

The project scope includes replacing two existing 500/220/35kV transformers rated at 450MVA each with two new transformers rated at 900MVA each, thereby increasing the total station capacity to 1,800MVA. Phase 1, which involved replacing transformer AT2, was completed and energized at the end of 2025. Phase 2, involving the replacement of transformer AT1, was completed in April 2026 in accordance with directives from EVN and EVNNPT.

As the existing transformers at the 500kV Hoa Binh Substation have frequently operated under overload conditions, this capacity upgrade plays a critical role in ensuring the safe operation of the power system. It also enhances transmission capability from hydropower sources in the Northwest region, contributing to a stable electricity supply for Phu Tho Province, Hanoi, and other northern provinces—especially during periods of peak demand. This is an urgent and strategically significant project for safeguarding national energy security.

According to NPTPMB, the construction process faced numerous challenges due to limited working space and the requirement to operate within an energized substation. In addition, hydropower plants in the region were running at full capacity, making outage scheduling for construction particularly difficult. However, thanks to the close direction of EVNNPT and effective coordination among dispatching levels, Power Transmission Company No. 1, and Hoa Binh Power Transmission, the project was implemented on schedule and completed in line with the directives of EVN and EVNNPT.

The successful energization of the 500kV Hoa Binh Substation capacity upgrade project is a meaningful initiative by EVNNPT and NPTPMB to celebrate the 51^st anniversary of the Reunification of Vietnam (April 30^th 1975 – April 30^th 2026) and the 140^th International Workers’ Day (May 1^st 1886 – May 1^st 2026).

NPT.COM.VN