HCMC – Vietnam will start work on the 500kV northwest transmission line this month, with completion expected within six months, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
At a meeting on February 21, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted the project’s importance in facilitating electricity imports from China, optimizing hydropower in the northwest, and ensuring stable power supply in the coming years.
The project aligns with Directive No. 01/CT-TTg issued on January 3, 2025, which outlines strategies for maintaining electricity supply during peak demand periods from 2025 to 2030. Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has been tasked with overseeing the project and meeting the September 2025 deadline.
The 229.5-kilometer transmission line, managed by EVN’s Power Project Management Board No. 1 (EVNPMB1), will connect the 500kV Lao Cai and 500kV Vinh Yen substations. It spans four provinces—Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc—with an estimated cost of VND7.41 trillion. The project requires over 63 hectares for tower foundations and will affect nearly 2,200 households, including 248 requiring relocation.
EVN has finalized contractor selection and released bidding documents for steel tower supply and construction packages. The bidding process will open on February 23, with contract assessments and signings set for completion by March 5, 2025.
However, land clearance and compensation pose significant challenges. Provincial regulations may delay land valuation by up to three months, followed by a 30-day public review and another 60 days to finalize agreements. These factors could impact the planned February 2025 construction start.
