Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and government officials at the inauguration ceremony of the 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line in the northern Hưng Yên Province. VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HƯNG YÊN — The 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line, one of the most critical and urgent power transmission projects, was officially put into operation on Thursday.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính in Hưng Yên, one of the two ends of the power line, alongside other high-ranking officials.

Construction of the 519km-long line began in January this year, with an investment capital of over VNĐ22.3 trillion (US$896.8 million).

It comprises four sections, including Quảng Trạch-Quỳnh Lưu, Quỳnh Lưu-Thanh Hóa, the Thanh Hóa-Nam Định 1 Thermal Power Plant and the Nam Định 1 Thermal Power Plant-Phố Nối.

The project has a crucial role in increasing the transmission capacity, from the current 2,500MW to 5,000MW, through the 500kV system from central to northern Việt Nam. 

The transmission line is designed to improve the stability of the power system, boost the electricity supply for the north and reduce the risk of overload and congestion in existing 500kV lines and stations, thus contributing to ensuring national energy security.

Addressing the event, PM Chính noted that the country’s strong socio-economic development requires an average annual electricity growth rate of between ten and twelve per cent. 

Since June 2023, the government directed ministries, sectors and businesses to implement urgent, comprehensive actions to ensure sufficient power supply for the northern region and prevent any shortage. 

Hailing the concerted efforts for the project’s rapid progress, in spite of the heavy workload and various requirements from investment, funding, land clearance, material and equipment supply as well as construction, PM Chính said that the successful project demonstrates the electricity sector’s remarkable growth and achievements. 

The government leader also praised state agencies, the project management board, contractors, local authorities, and people, particularly onsite engineers and workers, who all worked together to complete the project as scheduled. 

He said the power transmission line has reflected the aspiration, confidence, resilience, and values of the Vietnamese people to "make the impossible possible." 

At the same time, the project provided valuable lessons in managing and executing large-scale projects, especially key national projects such as expressways, airports, sea ports and urban railways.

PM Chính ordered that Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) work with local authorities to ensure environmental conditions in the project area, while carrying out a safe, effective operation plan for the 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line and the national grid as a whole.  

Authorities of the nine provinces where the line passes through will also need to work with the project investors to ensure and improve the quality of life for local people who have been affected by the project construction. 

In the immediate future, it is necessary to ensure long-term, sustainable livelihoods or job transition support for them said the PM, then gradually respond better to their material, psychological, educational and cultural demands. 

PM Chính said that the spirit and progress of the 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line has inspired and motivated the people, businesses and the entire political system to carry out key national projects, thereby continuing the country’s infrastructure development efforts.

The project also contributed to the strategic infrastructure breakthrough, as set out by the 11th, 12th and 13th National Party Congress for Việt Nam’s national construction and protection. — VNS