500 kV Lao Cai–Vinh Yen Transmission Line successfully energised, eight months ahead of schedule
WVR - On September 30, the 500 kV transmission line project from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen was successfully energized, 8 months ahead of schedule, significantly contributing to the improvement of the national power system.
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| Deputy General Director Pham Hong Phuong directs the energization of the 500 kV transmission line from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen. (Source: EVN) |
Efforts to exceed the schedule
At 23:12 on September 30, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the Project Management Board 1, in collaboration with relevant units on site, successfully energized the 500 kV transmission line project from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen. The project was completed 8 months ahead of the initial schedule set by the investment decision approved by the Prime Minister.
This achievement is the result of relentless efforts by engineers, staff, and workers on site, overcoming numerous challenges posed by complex mountainous terrain and unfavorable weather conditions during most of the construction period.
Previously, on September 29-30, the 500 kV Lao Cai substation phase 2 and the 500 kV bays at the 500 kV Vinh Yen substation were also successfully energized.
The 500 kV transmission line project from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen is a national key project, featuring a 500 kV double-circuit line with a total length of 229.5 km and 468 tower foundations. The project traverses the territories of two provinces, Lao Cai and Phu Tho (previously four provinces including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc), starting at the 500 kV Lao Cai substation and ending at the 500 kV Vinh Yen substation.
The total investment for the project exceeds 7,410 billion VND, sourced from a loan by the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) covering 80%, and EVN's counterpart funds covering 20% of the total investment. Additionally, the 500 kV Lao Cai substation phase 2 project, with a total investment of over 1,564 billion VND, has also been completed with the construction and energization of the 500 kV switchyard and transformer to synchronize with the 500 kV transmission line project from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen.
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| Once operational, the 500 kV transmission line from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen can transmit approximately 3,000 MW from hydropower plants in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces to the national grid. (Source: EVN) |
Significant impact
Once operational, the 500 kV transmission line from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen can transmit approximately 3,000 MW from hydropower plants in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces to the national grid.
This project not only enhances electricity import capacity but also creates a strong linkage between regions within the power system, improving the safety and stability of the national power system. Completing the project also helps reduce power loss in the transmission grid, thereby increasing the operational efficiency of EVN's electricity production and business.
Following the successful energization of the 500 kV transmission line from Lao Cai to Vinh Yen and the 500 kV Lao Cai substation along with the 220 kV connecting lines, EVN and the Project Management Board 1 will coordinate with relevant units on site to continue finalizing the project and related administrative procedures.
The project is expected to be operational in early October, marking a significant occasion to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2025) and to welcome the first Congress of the Government Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term and the 14th National Party Congress.
