PM Pham Minh Chinh urges to finish Quang Trach-Pho Noi power line project by mid-2024: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

The conference was connected with sites in other eight provinces where the transmission line runs through.

The 500kV power line connects the central province of Quang Binh and the northern province of Hung Yen, running through seven other localities in between.

It consists of four component subprojects, with a total length of 519km and a total investment of about 22.36 trillion VND (908.76 million USD). Its construction began in late December 2023.

According to Vietnam Electricity (EVN), all component projects have completed procedures for investment according to the law, while 226 bidding packages for construction, material and equipment supply are in progress.

The project is now addressing several bottlenecks including slow progress of land clearance and lack of space for construction and logistics in several localities, as well as difficulties in selecting construction plans in complex and dangerous terrain, according to reports presented at the conference.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Chinh said that electricity is essential to people’s lives and to national socio-economic development. Therefore, sufficient electricity for production, business and consumption is a must.

While Vietnam had enough power capacity, in the past year there were still local electricity shortages due to inadequate management and allocation, he said, adding that more drastic and effective measures would be required to ensure power supply in 2024 and beyond.

The Quang Trach-Pho Noi power transmission line is an urgent key national project that plays an important role in the country’s energy security, especially the northern region, and requires the engagement of ministries, departments and authorities of localities where the line runs through. The project is set to be completed in June 2024.

“There is great pressure that comes with this goal, requiring strong determination, great efforts, and drastic actions with focuses,” said the cabinet leader.

He directed relevant ministries and agencies to coordinate and follow the project schedule, ensuring construction quality and techniques, labour and environmental safety, and avoiding corruption and misconduct.

Provincial Party Committee Secretaries and People’s Committee Chairpersons are assigned to address project-related issues according to their authority.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, alongside leaders of relevant departments, will hold monthly meetings to review, accelerate project progress and design provincial-level plans.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang will be in charge of handling issues related to forest land conversion for the project, including amending Decree 156 which serves as a guideline to implement forestry law, before the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Prime Minister Chiinh added that local resources should be mobilised for project implementation, which will generate joint efforts while creating employment opportunities for local residents at project sites.

He also emphasised strengthening communications activities to raise awareness among people on the significance of the project to national interests, local development and citizens themselves.

Management units must also ensure safety and order at construction sites, take care of workers’ well-being, and execute prompt reward and disciplinary measures when needed, he said, adding the Ministry of Construction will oversee construction material supply and price management for the project alongside local authorities.

The Prime Minister also noted that the electric power industry and localities should look into developing power stations along this 500 kV electric transmission line to supply energy for local socio-economic development, particularly economic, industrial and tourism-service zones.