The 500kV Van Phong Substation and Interconnection has been energized, surpassing the schedule by 27 days

On the morning of November 28th, the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) and the Central Power Projects Management Board (EVNCPMB) collaborated with relevant units to energize the 500kV Van Phong Substation and interconnection, surpassing the schedule by 27 days, ensuring readiness to serve the trial operation of the Van Phong 1 BOT Thermal Power Plant.

The main components of the 500kV Van Phong Substation and Interconnection Project include the installation of 2 new 900MVA transformers, six 500kV outgoing bays, and 13 220kV outgoing bays. A 26.2 km 220kV transmission line was constructed to connect from the Van Phong 500kV Substation to the Van Phong 220kV Substation, connecting to the Van Phong - Tuy Hoa 220kV transmission line.

The project commenced in September 2021. According to the committed schedule with the Van Phong 1 BOT Thermal Power Plant investor, the project must be completed before December 26th, 2022. The construction period for this project was relatively short compared to other projects of similar scale and nature.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Tuyen, the Director of EVNCPMB, stated that the project encountered numerous challenges during construction, such as the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 throughout the country in 2021, leading to lockdowns in most localities. Moreover, the prices of essential materials such as steel, petroleum, and labor have increased significantly, creating substantial pressure for investors and contractors. Furthermore, as of September 2021, many issues still needed to be addressed regarding the positioning of pillars and the corridor.

EVNNPT/CPMB established a detailed schedule for each work item, closely monitoring the construction site to urge supervision and promptly address any obstacles, accelerating progress and ensuring the project's quality. The Executive Board and Financial Committee were responsible for the careful management of construction, being present at the construction site to coordinate with units and localities in resolving arising issues throughout the construction process.

The contractor engaged a supervising team from the engineering consultant to being present regularly at the construction site, enabling them to promptly address any arising issues and ensure the contractor's construction progress.

The construction contractors allocated sufficient workforce, materials, and machinery equipment at the construction site, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to accelerate the construction progress.

The project energization ensures a safe and continuous power supply to a load of Khanh Hoa province and neighboring provinces, meeting the socio-economic development needs of the critical economic coastal region of Southern Central Vietnam. It also helps accommodate the power capacity of the Van Phong 1 BOT thermal power plant and the renewable energy power plants in Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, and Phu Yen provinces. Moreover, it contributes to fulfilling the N-1 criterion, enhancing the stability of the power system, and improving the reliability and safety of electricity supply to the national grid.

Efforts will continue to be made to complete the entire project cluster

To achieve these results, according to Mr. Truong Huu Thanh, Deputy General Director of EVNNPT, the project has received continuous attention and guidance from the government, the Prime Minister, ministries, departments, and the National Steering Committee for Power Development, as well as the Vietnam Electricity, in directing and resolving difficulties and obstacles in land clearance work. Additionally, local authorities at provincial/district/commune levels, through which the transmission lines pass, have actively participated in creating land clearance conditions for the project execution and completion.

In parallel with these efforts, EVNNPT/CPMB regularly dispatched staff members to be present at the construction site to oversee and manage the construction work and promptly resolve any difficulties and issues that arise during the construction process. In certain situations, there are plans to enhance and supplement the workforce and construction equipment for stringing teams, as well as the timely allocation of materials during construction.

Mr. Truong Huu Thanh, Deputy General Director of EVNNPT, stated that the timely energization of the 500kV Van Phong substation and interconnection serves the purpose of conducting trial power generation for the Van Phong 1 BOT thermal power plant and prepares for the capacity release of the power plant. However, to fully accommodate the power capacity of the power plant, the Van Phong - Vinh Tan 500kV transmission line needs to be completed. Currently, EVNNPT and project participants are making efforts to complete the project by December 2022, following the directives of the government and the Vietnam Electricity.

The leadership of EVNNPT has requested EVNCPMB to supervise and urge the contractors to provide materials and equipment according to the specified schedule and ensure the progress of the stringing work. EVNCPMB collaborated with relevant authorities to arrange power outage schedules appropriately and coordinated with the Van Phong 1 BOT thermal power plant for synchronous interconnection testing to ensure electricity transmission to the power plant.

The leadership of EVNNPT also emphasized the need for construction contractors to ensure absolute safety for personnel and equipment. Close coordination with local authorities and residents is required, and staff members should be assigned to monitor the security of materials and equipment to ensure construction site safety. An adequate workforce should be mobilized to meet the project requirements. During the construction process, the quality of the project should be maintained for the sake of progress. Supervision and engineering consultancy must allocate sufficient staff members to ensure quality, improvement, and safety at the construction site and promptly address emerging issues. Power Transmission Company 3 closely collaborates with the contractors to monitor the project's quality compliance with the design and is ready to provide human resources for operation and maintenance after the project's completion and handover to Power Transmission Company 3.

Source: EVN