Integration of Unit 1 of Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion into the National Grid

Inauguration ceremony of Unit 1 integration – Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion project. (Source: EVN)

Attending the inauguration ceremony of Unit 1 integration were Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, along with representatives from various ministries and sectors; leaders from Phu Tho province and representatives from provincial departments and agencies.

From EVN, there were EVN General Director Nguyen Anh Tuan; leaders of the Vietnam Electricity Trade Union; leaders of the Project Management Board 1, and representatives from construction contractors, partners, banks, and credit institutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh presenting flowers at the inauguration ceremony of Unit 1 integration – Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion project. (Source: EVN)

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Dinh Tinh, Director of Lilama 10 Company, stated that the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion not only enhances electricity supply for the North but also contributes to national energy security.

The construction process faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, complex terrain, and stringent safety technical requirements. However, with determination and resilience, the executing units completed the task excellently.

“Thousands of staff and workers on site overcame difficulties and challenges, transporting thousands of tons of materials and equipment to the plant, successfully installing Unit 1. The success of Unit 1 sets the foundation for completing Unit 2 on schedule,” emphasized Nguyen Dinh Tinh.

Bui Phuong Nam, Director of Project Management Board 1 (EVNPMB1), noted that the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion is a large-scale project with complex technical and construction conditions. The project faced numerous obstacles during implementation, such as prolonged site clearance and supply chain disruptions...

On June 3, the Prime Minister issued Directive No. 81/CĐ-TTg, requiring the inauguration of Unit 1 by August 19, 40 days ahead of the planned schedule. This posed a significant challenge for EVN and the construction units.

To achieve this goal, EVN coordinated with on-site units to revise the schedule with special construction measures, such as maximizing construction manpower, ensuring continuous work in three shifts, and four teams simultaneously on various tasks. As a result, the GIS station installation timeline was reduced from 100 days to 66 days; transformer installation from 60 days to 43 days...

EVN General Director Nguyen Anh Tuan awarding certificates of merit to construction units of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion project. (Source: EVN)

Once operational, Unit 1, with a capacity of 240 MW, will contribute significantly alongside the existing Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant to its political mission of electricity generation – regulation – flood control – water supply – transportation. Construction and installation forces on site will continue their efforts to complete Unit 2 of the project by October 2025 and aim to finish the entire project by 2025.

The Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion project is located on the right bank of the existing Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant dam. The plant is situated in Hoa Binh ward; the water intake and channel are in Thong Nhat ward, Phu Tho province. The expansion will share existing facilities such as the reservoir, dam, and spillway with the current Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant. New construction includes the water intake channel, water intake, water tunnel, and the plant itself.

Upon completion and operation, the project will enhance peak power generation capacity for the national grid, optimize the use of surplus water discharged annually during the flood season by the existing Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant for electricity generation; improve frequency regulation and stability of the national grid; contribute to reducing system costs; decrease the workload of existing units, thereby extending equipment lifespan and saving on maintenance and repair costs.