Efforts to Complete the Construction of the 220kV Bo Y Switching Substation and Interconnection in March 2023

The project for the 220kV Bo Y Switching Substation and Interconnection (in Ngoc Hoi district, Kon Tum province) is gradually reaching completion. The Power Project Management Board 2 (EVNPMB2) is working to ensure the project's completion in March 2023.

The project, assigned by Vietnam Electricity (Investor) to the EVNPMB2, aims to import electricity from the Nam Kong 1, 2, and 3 hydropower plants in Laos to Vietnam.

According to the EVNPMB2’s representative, the switching substation construction has completed all excavation, foundation work, control building, and diesel house. 122/134 equipment support structures have been completed, and construction has progressed for 5 of 6 cable trench sections. Other auxiliary items, such as guardhouses, fences, internal roads, and more, are also being expedited. Overall, the construction work progress has reached approximately 97%.

Regarding the interconnection, Kon Tum Power Transmission has completed the section with 2 circuits (Nam Kong 3 - Bo Y) and undergone technical acceptance testing. The section with 4 circuits (from the 220kV Bo Y Switching Substation to the Xekaman 1-Pleiku 2 220kV Transmission Line) has already pulled cables for 4 out of 7 spans and is continuing the cable pulling for the remaining spans. EVNPMB2 assesses that the current situation can meet the deadline for energization before March 31, 2023.

The project commenced in April 2022 and encountered numerous difficulties during implementation. For instance, many sections of the transmission lines pass through natural forests, requiring complex procedures for construction. Additionally, 2/3 of the switching substation area is on hills, while the remaining portion is in a valley. Thus, building a 300-meter-long retaining wall with a height exceeding 30 meters and reinforcing it significantly is necessary to ensure safe conditions. Furthermore, the region's prolonged and heavy rainfall is one of the main challenges affecting the project's progress.

On March 9, 2023, during an inspection of the construction site, Mr. Khuong The Anh - Deputy Head of EVNPMB2, acknowledged the diligent efforts of the EVNPMB2 and the construction contractors in pushing forward the construction progress despite facing various difficulties. So far, the project has completed a significant amount of the set workload and met the requirements of Vietnam Electricity.

Mr. Khuong The Anh requested the EVNPMB2 to continue closely supervising the contractors, expedite the completion of related tasks, and strengthen the workforce and equipment for swift construction progress. However, it is emphasized that quality and safety should not be compromised due to the project's timeline.