Overcoming weather conditions

The Lao Cai–Vinh Yen 500 kV Transmission Line Project, a critical national power grid initiative, was approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 1274/QD-TTg on October 26, 2024.

Upon completion, the project is expected to improve the operational efficiency of the national power system, facilitate socio-economic development, strengthen national defence and security, and ensure national energy security.

The double-circuit transmission line will span 229.5 kilometers, with 468 tower foundations across the four northern provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc. The total investment for the project is over 7.41 trillion VND (290.41 million USD).

Once operational, the transmission line will be able to carry approximately 3,000 MW of electricity from hydroelectric plants in the northwest to the national grid.

The project is invested by EVN, with Power Project Management Board 1 (NPMB1) as the investor’s representative.

Currently, many contractors at the construction site are working extended hours, including night shifts, to complete foundation excavation and casting within May. This will pave the way for tower erection and conductor stringing by June 2025.

Nguyen Trung Kien, Deputy Head of Operations at Song Da 11 Joint Stock Company, said that at position 166, the terrain is rockier than expected. According to the initial plan, tower erection at this position is scheduled to be completed by May 22, but due to unexpected issues, construction will finish by May 31. The contractor increased the number of 300-tonne excavators from 2 to 5 and added 5 transport trucks. Working hours have also been increased from 8 to 12 hours per day.

According to Pham Van Tinh, a worker on the Song Da 11’s construction team, when the foundation excavation and casting nearly completes, materials and equipment are transported from the warehouse to the tower base so that towers are ready to be bolted together and secured to the foundation.

Facilitating smooth project execution

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (C) and delegates launch the construction of the 500 kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line project (Photo: VGP)

Chief supervisor of Package 1HH, Hoang Quoc Dong, revealed that due to the project’s importance and urgency, many packages are implemented under the PC (Procurement - Construction) model, which has shown many advantages.

According to the Bidding Management Board of Viet Nam Electricity (EVN), in previous power transmission projects, steel tower supply and line construction packages were implemented independently, leading to equipment mismatches during construction. Thanks to the PC model in this project, materials are generally sufficient, facilitating the smooth project execution.

Workers of Ngai Cau Construction and Trading Joint Stock Company and Dong Anh Steel Tower Manufacturing Co., Ltd. are currently maintaining “three-shift, four-team” model without holiday breaks to keep operations running around the clock.

Nguyen Minh De, General Director of Dong Anh Company, said the unit has coordinated with Power Project Management Board 1 (EVNPMB1) to organise production and supply of materials.

Besides 600 factory staff working intensively, during peak periods, the company has coordinated with subcontractors to mobilise more manpower to meet deadlines.

Regarding equipment, steel tower and accessory handovers are expected to be completed by June 2025.

Among the 10 packages of the Lao Cai–Vinh Yen 500 kV Transmission Line Project, some packages have been independently assigned to experienced contractors.

As of May 14, Package 9HH, independently executed by PC1 Group Joint Stock Company, has excavated 36 out of 48 foundations.

Package 9HH’s chief commander, Nguyen Van Bau, reported that nearly 200 workers are simultaneously active on site. To accelerate progress, the contractor will recruit more local labour and ultilise available equipment and modern technology to minimize impact on local production activities during construction progress.