EVN is constructing the 500kV Lao Cai Substation and the 220kV transmission lines

On April 21st, in Bao Thang district, Lao Cai province, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Power Project Management Board 1 (EVNPMB 1) organized a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of the 500kV Lao Cai Substation and the connecting 220kV transmission lines.

The event was attended by provincial leaders of Lao Cai, including Mr. Trinh Xuan Truong, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Hoang Giang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Vu Van Cai, Standing Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, as well as representatives from local authorities in Bao Thang district and the villages along the transmission line route.

From EVN, key participants included Mr. Duong Quang Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Mr. Tran Dinh Nhan, General Director; Mr. Pham Hong Phuong, Deputy General Director; representatives from the Vietnam Electricity Labor Union; Power Project Management Board 1, and consulting firms.

The 500kV Lao Cai Substation and the 220kV transmission lines project has been assigned to the EVNPMB 1 by EVN for investment and construction management. The main objectives of the project are: relieving the capacity of small hydropower sources in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces such as Lao Cai, Ha Giang, and Yen Bai; supporting electricity importing when needed; reducing the load on the existing 500kV Son La - Hiep Hoa, Son La - Nho Quan transmission lines, ensuring power supply for the development of demand and energy security of the national power system.

The project has a total investment capital of over 1,564 billion VND and includes the construction of a new 500/220/35kV substation with a capacity of 2x900MVA and a provision for installing a third transformer when necessary. It also involves the construction of 220kV overhead transmission lines, both in 4-circuit and 2-circuit configurations, using ACSR500/64 conductors from the Lao Cai 500kV Substation to the connection point with the existing Bao Thang - Yen Bai 220kV transmission line, with a total length of 17.52 km. The project's funding comprises 80% of loans from domestic commercial banks and 20% of EVN's corresponding capital.

The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 includes the construction of the 220kV distribution yard and the connecting 220kV transmission lines, scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2022 (synchronized with the 220kV transmission lines connecting to the 500kV Lao Cai Substation, which is currently under construction by the National Power Transmission Corporation). Phase 2 involves the construction of the 500kV distribution yard and the overall completion of the project, scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (synchronized with the Lao Cai - Vinh Yen 500kV transmission line project).

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Duong Quang Thanh - the Chairman of the EVN's Board of Directors expressed his gratitude for the close attention and guidance provided by the provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee of Lao Cai province. He also acknowledged the support and cooperation from the local authorities, departments, and districts and the residents who willingly provided land for EVN to carry out the project. This substantial support has contributed significantly to successfully fulfilling the tasks entrusted by the Party and the State. Chairman Duong Quang Thanh expressed his hope to continue receiving attention and support from all levels of government and the local people in the province to ensure the timely completion of EVN's projects in the area, from construction to operation.

EVN praised the efforts of EVNPMB 1 in coordinating effectively with relevant ministries, the provincial government, and the Bao Thang district in transmission line routing agreement, forest land use conversion, designs approval, and land clearance compensation and contractor’s selection for project implementation. EVN has requested EVNPMB 1 to focus on strict management and supervision of quality and close cooperation with local authorities during the construction phase, ensuring that the project is completed on schedule and in compliance with all legal regulations. The construction contractor is also expected to mobilize sufficient resources and organize construction activities following the agreed-upon plan while strictly adhering to the procedures for quality management, safety, health, environment, and social responsibility as stipulated in the contract. The engineering and construction supervision consulting unit is also urged to effectively carry out their supervisory duties and closely coordinate with relevant parties to promptly address any issues or contingencies that may arise during construction.

Speaking at the ceremony, leaders of Lao Cai province stated that they are always aware of the importance and urgency of the 500kV Lao Cai substation and the transmission line connecting through the province. Recently, Lao Cai provincial leaders have directed departments and localities to actively participate in handing over the site to the investor in order to implement the project.

Lao Cai provincial leaders pledged to always accompany with the Electricity industry to work together in order to complete the Project on schedule and request relevant departments, People's Committees, and local people where the Project passes through to create favorable conditions and support for site clearance compensation procedure, forest use purposes conversion procedure, and other related problems to land handover for the 500kV Lao Cai substation project and later the 500kV Lao Cai - Vinh Yen transmission line in order to meet the planned timeline.

On this occasion, Vietnam Electricity has provided financial support of 500 million VND to Bao Thang district in Lao Cai province, which will be used to build houses for underprivileged individuals and contribute to the goal of making a new rural area.

500kV LAO CAI SUBSTATION AND TRANSMISSION LINES PROJECT:

Investor: Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

Project Management: Power Project Management Board 1.

Engineering Consulting Firm: Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 1.

Design Appraisal Firm: Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 4 (EVNPECC4)

Key Scope: Installation of 2 units of 500kV-900MVA transformers, construction of over 17 km of 220kV connecting transmission lines.

Total Investment: 1,564 billion VND.

Expected Completion of the Entire Project: Quarter 4 of 2024.

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Source: FB Điện lực Việt Nam