French Embassy and AFD visited 500kV Binh Duong 1 substation, recognizing successful cooperation with EVNNPT
Recently, a delegation from the French Embassy in Vietnam and the French Development Agency (AFD) held a working session with the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) and visited the 500kV Binh Duong 1 Substation.
The visit reflected the French Government's and AFD's strong interest in Vietnam's key power transmission infrastructure projects while reaffirming the effectiveness of the long-standing partnership between the two sides in the energy sector.
The delegation included Mr. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam; Mr. Étienne Ranaivoson, Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Hugo Pierrel, Deputy Country Director of AFD Vietnam; and Mr. Florent Germain, AFD's Regional Energy Team Leader for Southeast Asia.
EVNNPT Deputy General Director – Mr. Bui Van Kien spoke at the meeting with the delegation from the French Embassy in Vietnam and AFD.
Working with the delegation were Mr. Bui Van Kien, Deputy General Director of EVNNPT; Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tho, Deputy Director of the Central Power Projects Management Board (CPMB); together with representatives of relevant units.
The 500kV Binh Duong 1 substation project is financed by an AFD loan under a non-sovereign-guaranteed financing arrangement, with a total loan amount of EUR 67 million. This is EVNNPT's first loan obtained without a Government guarantee, demonstrating the success of the partnership between EVNNPT and AFD and potentially creating further financing opportunities from AFD and other international financial institutions. The project plays a vital role in enhancing power supply reliability, relieving transmission congestion in Southern Vietnam, supporting the country's energy transition, and strengthening the expanding Vietnam–France cooperation in the energy sector.
The delegation from the French Embassy in Vietnam and AFD visited the 500kV Binh Duong 1 Substation
Notably, the 500kV Binh Duong 1 Substation is also the first project completed under Vietnam's Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Under the JETP framework, France has committed EUR 500 million to support Vietnam in accelerating the decarbonization of its power sector and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Binh Duong 1 Substation will play a significant role in integrating renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power, into Vietnam's national power grid.
During the site visit, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet expressed his satisfaction with the successful cooperation between France and EVNNPT in the energy sector. He highlighted not only the loan-financed projects previously supported by AFD for EVN and EVNNPT, but also the technical assistance programs aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing staff competencies within EVNNPT. He noted that AFD continues to expand its support through additional projects for Vietnam's power sector. The Ambassador highly appreciated EVNNPT's strong commitment and close cooperation in arranging and implementing the loan efficiently and successfully. Based on these achievements, he affirmed that both the French Embassy in Vietnam and AFD have full confidence that EVNNPT will continue to receive additional financing and technical assistance from AFD in the coming years.
Delegation members pose for a commemorative photo at the 500kV Binh Duong 1 Substation
Mr. Bui Van Kien, Deputy General Director of EVNNPT, thanked the Ambassador of France and acknowledged the valuable support that the French Embassy in Vietnam and AFD have provided to EVNNPT in particular and Vietnam's power sector as a whole. He affirmed EVNNPT's commitment to making the most effective use of AFD financing and expressed his hope that the Corporation would continue to receive further technical assistance and new financing from AFD in the years ahead.
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The 500kV Binh Duong 1 Substation is one of three projects financed under the AFD loan facility. Construction commenced on January 15th 2024, and the project was completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, in line with EVNNPT's energization schedule for 2025. The AFD loan allocated to the 500kV Binh Duong 1 Substation Project amounts to EUR 14.12 million, equivalent to 70% of the project's total investment cost. To date, EUR 13.71 million has been disbursed.
The project involves the construction of a new 500/220kV substation designed to accommodate two 500/220/35kV, 900MVA transformers. During the current phase, one complete 500/220/35kV, 900MVA transformer has been installed.
The project aims to enhance the reliability of electricity supply for Binh Duong Province and the Southern Key Economic Region; Increase transmission capacity and relieve overloads at the 500kV Song May and Tan Dinh substations, ensure the safe and reliable operation of Vietnam's power transmission system.
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By Nguyen Thi Anh – EVNNPT’s Office
(Source: hhttps://www.npt.com.vn/d6/vi-VN/news/Dai-su-quan-Phap-va-AFD-tham-Tram-bien-ap-500kV-Binh-Duong-1-ghi-nhan-hieu-qua-hop-tac-voi-EVNNPT-6-191-12391)
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For the 500kV Binh Duong 1 Substation Project, EVNPECC4 (Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 4) served as the survey and engineering consultant throughout both the project preparation and implementation stages.
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