Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested relevant ministries, localities and agencies to urgently take measures to remove difficulties and obstacles to accelerate the 500kV national transmission line project, circuit 3, so as to put it into operation before June 30, the Government News has reported.

Running from Quang Trach district in central Quang Binh province to Pho Noi in northern Hung Yen province, the 519-km line will be built at an estimated cost of VND23 trillion ($903.3 million).

Chairing a meeting held in Hanoi on May 23 on the implementation of the project, PM Chinh asked relevant sides to keep close tabs on the construction work and make concerted efforts to improve quality as well as assure safety, environmental hygiene and legitimate rights of local residents.

He noted that the project plays an important role in socio-economic development, particularly when extreme heat will scorch large parts of the nation in June and July.

Regarding power supply, PM Chinh said as the economy has recovered well, demand for materials and fuels, including electricity, has been on the rise. Power need in 2024 is expected to rise 9%. However, there was a time in Q1 it even expanded 17%.

Although the national power grid will be able to meet the socio-economic development, PM Chinh requested them to keep a close watch on the situation and take measures to respond to possible scenarios.

It is necessary to diversify power sources, prepare fuels for electricity generation, and ensure water levels in reservoirs for power and agricultural production and flood prevention, he said.