EVNNPT leader inspects 220kV substation project progress in central Vietnam

Pham Le Phu, CEO of EVNNPT, a subsidiary of state utility Electricity Vietnam (EVN), on Thursday inspected the construction of the 220kV Chan May Substation and its associated transmission line in the central city of Hue.

Accompanying him were Nguyen Ngoc Tan, deputy CEO of EVNNPT, and leaders from EVNNPT’s specialized departments and the Power Transmission Projects Management Board (NPTPMB).

This is a Grade I, Group B energy infrastructure project. EVNNPT is the investor, with NPTPMB acting on its behalf to manage and oversee the project. Located in Chan May – Lang Co, the substation will be operated by Power Transmission Company No. 2 (PTC2) upon completion.

The substation is designed as a new 220/110/22kV facility with a capacity of 2x125 MVA. In this phase, one 220/110/22kV transformer with a capacity of 125 MVA is being installed.

The 220kV section features a total of eight bays planned, with three installed in this phase. Meanwhile, the 110kV section comprises a total of 16 bays planned, with 11 bays installed in this phase.

The control, protection, metering, communications, and SCADA systems are equipped with integrated computer-based control, compliant with EVN and EVNNPT standards. Protection and metering devices meet current technical regulations.

The tie-in transmission line includes a 220kV circuit approximately 5.13 km long, consisting of both double-circuit and four-circuit segments.

At the working session, representatives from NPTPMB reported that the project is currently in the site clearance and land compensation phase, with ground leveling underway at the substation site. However, several challenges remain, including prolonged land disputes from households.

Some land areas exceed compensation limits or are ineligible for compensation. Several households are requesting the government to acquire small, fragmented land plots that are no longer viable for cultivation. Portions of the land overlap with other ongoing projects and have yet to be cleared.

In addition, the compensation and resettlement support council is concurrently handling multiple projects, creating significant pressure on verifying land origin and evaluating compensation eligibility.

So far, site clearance at the substation has reached 78%. For the transmission line, 18 out of 23 tower foundation locations are ready for construction. NPTPMB is coordinating with contractors, local authorities, and residents to resolve issues and accelerate site handover.

At the construction site, Phu acknowledged the efforts of NPTPMB and related units. He commended their serious, responsible, and flexible approach in overcoming practical difficulties to maintain project momentum.

Phu emphasized that the Chan May 220kV substation and transmission line are of vital importance in meeting the growing electricity demand in Hue city - a locality experiencing strong growth in industry, tourism, and services.

The project will also enhance regional power grid connectivity, improve safety, reliability, and stability of the national transmission network, reduce power losses, and increase EVNNPT’s operational efficiency.

He requested NPTPMB to work closely with local authorities to resolve remaining land clearance issues, while ramping up communication to help residents understand the project's significance and facilitate land handovers.

Participating units should also mobilize maximum manpower and equipment to speed up land leveling and prepare materials and equipment for immediate deployment once land becomes available.

Phu further instructed NPTPMB and relevant EVNNPT departments to closely coordinate, concentrate resources, and swiftly address outstanding challenges to ensure the project is completed on schedule, in line with the directions of EVN.

Following the inspection, Phu and the working delegation presented gifts to construction teams working on site, recognizing their efforts to overcome difficulties to ensure construction schedule and quality. This gesture reflects the EVNNPT leadership’s timely support and encouragement, especially amid challenging weather conditions and site constraints.