Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Power Project Management Board 1, in coordination with relevant units at the construction site, successfully energized the 500 kV Lao Cai - Vinh Yen power line project on September 30, completing it 8 months ahead of the initial schedule approved by the Prime Minister in the project's investment policy decision.
Previously, on September 29 and 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 Lao Cai - Vinh Yen power transmission line is a national key project, featuring a double-circuit 500 kV power line with a total length of 229.5 km and 468 tower foundation locations.
The project passes through two provinces, Lao Cai and Phu Tho (formerly four provinces: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc), with the starting point at the 500 kV Lao Cai Substation and the ending point at the 500 kV Vinh Yen Substation.
The total investment for the project is over VND7.41 trillion (around $280.4 million), arranged through a loan from Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade (Vietcombank) covering 80% and EVN's counterpart capital covering 20%.
When put into operation, the 500 kV Lao Cai - Vinh Yen power line will be capable of transmitting approximately 3,000 MW from hydropower plants in the Northwest region and neighboring provinces to the national grid, and increasing electricity import capacity.
Simultaneously, it will create a strong connection between different regions within the power system; enhance the safe and stable operation of the national power system; reduce power losses in the transmission grid; and increase the efficiency of EVN's electricity production and business.