Can the completion of Phase 1 of the 220kV Bo Y Substation and interconnection lines be achieved on schedule?

According to the Phase 1 objectives, the 220kV Bo Y Substation and the 220kV interconnection lines will be energized with 4 transformer bays in November 2022. How is the Power Project Management Board 2 (under Vietnam Electricity) overseeing the project? Can the Phase 1 objectives be achieved or not?

The 220kV Bo Y Substation and the 220kV interconnection lines, although a relatively small-scale project, hold significant importance in ensuring the import of electricity from the Nam Kong 1, 2, and 3 hydropower plants (Laos) into the Vietnamese power system following the commitments between the two countries' Party and Government.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has entrusted the Power Project Management Board 2 (EVNPMB 2) to oversee the project. Mr. Nguyen Khang - Deputy Head of the Safety Technical Department, Deputy Head of the Project Steering Committee under EVNPMB 2, has shown great interest and regularly pushed for progress.

Throughout the implementation process, the project has encountered several difficulties. Specifically, the site for the substation was only handed over on April 26, 2022. The 220kV interconnection lines were entirely handed over regarding foundation positions on October 21, 2022, as some sections pass through natural forests, leading to complex procedures.

Another challenge is that two-thirds of the substation area is on hills, while the remaining part is in a valley. Moreover, the height of the embankment reaches over 30 meters with an estimated volume of 65,000 m3, not to mention the associated reinforcement works.

Sharing more about the project's difficulties, Mr. Dang Ngoc Phuong - Deputy Project Supervision Consultant of the 220kV Bo Y Substation and interconnection lines project (under the Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 4 -EVNPECC4) stated that this year's weather conditions have been harsher, with frequent heavy rainfall, averaging 23-25 days/month. As a result, land leveling and earth filling have become challenging, and the duration has been prolonged compared to the original plan. Furthermore, the project has specific locations where power poles pass through natural forests, making it impossible to open access roads, necessitating manual construction processes.

Facing these obstacles, EVNPMB 2 and the contractors have proposed dividing the project into two phases. Phase 1 aims to energize 4 transformer bays by November 30, 2022, while Phase 2 seeks to complete the project by mid-January 2023.

Mr. Tran Trieu Son - Deputy Head of the Equipment Procurement Department, Deputy Head of the Project Steering Committee under EVNPMB 2, stated that to date, the construction units had completed over 60% of the equipment installation, with ongoing work on the remaining 3 foundation positions and 7 out of 17 wire stringing sections. The Project Management Board strives to complete the installation work, conduct testing of the substation in Phase 1, and complete the 220kV transmission line for commissioning by November 28, 2022.

According to Mr. Mai Duc Cuong - Commander-in-Chief of the Consortium of Contractors for Construction of the LILAMA-TOJI and Power Construction Installation Company Limited No.4 (PCC4), the initial implementation of the project did not meet the schedule, but it has now essentially caught up with the Phase 1 plan. "Throughout the implementation process, the contractors have received regular attention and support from the investor. The investor has promptly resolved any design and land-related obstacles for the contractors. We have full confidence in meeting the set schedule," emphasized Mr. Cuong.

The Project Steering Committee under EVNPMB 2 is closely monitoring the progress, urging the construction contractors to increase workforce and equipment deployment to three daily shifts. They are also coordinating closely with relevant agencies to complete the necessary legal procedures to ensure the commissioning of Phase 1 according to the set plan.

Source: EVN