Difficulties in the 220kV Dak Ooc Substation project and 220kV interconnection lines

The 220kV Dak Ooc Substation project and the 220kV interconnection lines are targeted to be completed in the third quarter of 2023. However, at this point, the project still faces many challenges…

Challenges due to weather conditions:

The main scope of the project includes the construction of the 220kV Dak Ooc Switching Substation (in Nam Giang district, Quang Nam province) and the construction of approximately 13.4km of double-circuit 220kV transmission lines from the Nam Emoun Hydropower Plant (in Laos) to the 220kV Dak Ooc Switching Substation (in the territory of Vietnam). There is also a 2km section of four-circuit 220kV transmission lines from the 220kV Dak Ooc Switching Substation to the existing 220kV Xekaman 3 - Thanh My double-circuit transmission line.

The project is invested by Vietnam Electricity (EVN) as the owner, and Power Project Management Board 2 (PMB2) acts as the project management unit. Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 4 (EVNPECC4) is responsible for surveying, engineering, and supporting the tender process and contract negotiation, as well as providing supervision consulting service.

According to PMB2, the 220kV Dak Ooc Switching Substation construction started in early September 2022. However, the weather has been unfavorable since then, with a recorded number of rainy days, 85 out of 122 days. Due to adverse weather conditions, the construction contractor could not proceed with the substation's foundation work. The contractor Lilama is continuing with land dredging to prepare for the substation's foundation work in early March 2023.

For the double-circuit 220kV interconnection lines, the construction contractor has poured concrete foundations at 3 out of 7 locations and is constructing at two other locations. The remaining 2 locations are still negotiating access routes with the local residents. As for the four-circuit 220kV interconnection lines, concrete foundations have been poured at 2 out of 8 locations, and construction is ongoing for one place. At the same time, access roads are being constructed for the remaining locations.

In addition to the biggest challenge of adverse weather conditions, the project also encounters difficulties and obstacles related to converting forest land use purposes for the foundation positions. The land clearance work has been delayed and faced many challenges due to some households disagreeing with the compensation plan that has been announced. Since many foundation positions pass through natural forests, materials and equipment are transported manually.

Which solution?

Mr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of Power Project Management Board 2 (PMB2), stated that in the face of these challenges, PMB2 had instructed the consortium of contractors to concentrate and strengthen the availability of equipment, workforce, overtime, and shifts to implement continuous construction to compensate for the shortage during the rainy season.

Regarding the obstacles in the procedures for converting forest land use purposes, PMB2 will continue to closely follow the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding submitting the conversion proposal for the Prime Minister's approval.

In terms of the land clearance work, PMB2 will coordinate with the functional agencies of Quang Nam province and Nam Giang district to resolve existing obstacles in land clearance. They will also work with the provincial People's Committee, relevant departments, and agencies to expedite the procedures for converting the land use purposes for the foundation positions immediately after obtaining the Prime Minister's approval.

At the progress review meeting held on February 21st, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Electricity (EVN) Nguyen Tai Anh emphasized that the investment and construction of the project aim to fulfill the bilateral commitments on cooperation between the governments of Vietnam and Laos in the field of energy development, including importing electricity from the Nam Emoun Hydropower Plant (Laos) to Vietnam.

To complete the project in the third quarter of 2023, the Deputy General Director of EVN has instructed PMB2 to proactively work with local authorities, ministries, and departments to expedite the land use conversion process for land clearance and handover to the contractor. EVN also requires the leadership of PMB2 to be present at the construction site regularly to handle any arising situations.

For the contractor consortium, the Deputy General Director of EVN requests close collaboration and proactive execution of the work to jointly complete the project. This includes focusing on workforce and equipment and ensuring an adequate supply of materials and equipment. They must also find construction methods and measures to complete the foundation pillars in the natural forest area as soon as possible. Additionally, they should assign personnel at the construction site regularly to carry out author supervision tasks and promptly address design and technical requirements issues to meet the schedule and construction process.