Efforts to ensure sufficient power supply and complete the 500kV Quang Trach - Pho Noi Transmission Line project on schedule

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the meeting.

Also attending was Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha. The meeting was broadcast live to the headquarters of the People's Committees of localities where the 500kV Line 3 passes through.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade said that regarding the work of ensuring electricity supply in 2024, 2025 and the following years: the electricity supply situation in the first 5 months of 2024, the estimated cumulative electricity output in the first 5 months of 2024 was about 124.1 billion kWh, an increase of 12.1% over the same period. At the end of April, the prolonged hot weather in all 3 regions caused the national electricity consumption to increase to a record high (the national maximum capacity reached 47,670 MW, an increase of 13.2%, the daily output reached 987.39 million kWh, 6.87% higher than the same period in 2023).

In the context of unfavorable hydrological developments in the first months of the year, in order to maximize water savings in hydroelectric reservoirs, thermal power sources, especially coal-fired thermal power in the northern region, have been highly mobilized to meet the increasing demand for electricity. Combining solutions to increase electricity transmission from the south and central regions to support the north, the electricity supply for the entire system in the first months of 2024 has been well implemented, ensuring sufficient electricity demand for production and daily life of the whole country.

EVN Board of Members Chairman Dang Hoang An speaks.

Regarding the electricity supply situation in the remaining months of 2024: On April 3, the Ministry of Industry and Trade held a meeting with units to review the plan for peak electricity supply in the dry season of 2024. Based on EVN's update, on April 19, the Ministry of Industry and Trade approved the adjustment of the plan for peak electricity supply in the dry season, as well as the whole year of 2024 in Decision No. 924/QD-BCT as well as for the remaining months of 2024, ensuring close adherence to the actual situation. The results of the 2024 supply-demand balance calculation according to Decision No. 924/QD-BCT are updated as follows:

Regarding the balance of electricity output: with the orientation of using water economically in hydroelectric reservoirs from the end of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the total amount of water currently available in hydroelectric reservoirs at the time of reporting converted into electricity output is about 11.3 billion kWh. This is a reserve source of electricity for the upcoming peak period. Along with the proactive preparation of fuel supply for electricity production, especially coal fuel, which has been well implemented by units, the national power system will basically meet enough electricity for socio-economic development and people's needs for most of the time in 2024.

Regarding capacity balance: the central and southern regions meet capacity balance. However, in the context of a sharp decline in domestic gas resources and to ensure the safety and stability of the southern power system, flexible sources such as oil transfer, supplementing LNG for gas-fired thermal power plants or ensuring the availability of oil and LNG, oil-fired thermal power plants will have to be mobilized to meet peak loads; the northern region is at risk of peak capacity shortage, especially during the hottest months (June to August) in the event of overlapping unfavorable factors such as poor water flow and prolonged power plant failures.

General assessment: with the above solutions, the electricity supply in 2024 is basically guaranteed. For the following years: in the coming time, after the 500kV Line 3 Quang Trach - Pho Noi is put into operation with all necessary technical conditions, the northern power system will be supplemented with increased capacity/electricity from the central and southern regions. However, with the expected growth of load (electricity/capacity) reaching 10% per year, the supply-demand of the northern region will at times appear to be unbalanced in the case of hydrological conditions affected by climate change, incidents of coal-fired thermal power plants (which have been in operation for many years). Therefore, the early addition of new power sources (especially baseload power sources) for the north is extremely necessary.

For the 500kV Quang Trach-Pho Noi Transmission Line Project, the Ministry of Industry and Trade regularly and continuously directs the Trade Offices of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in other countries and has issued official dispatches to support the progress of supplying and transporting equipment from importing countries to Vietnam to serve the project.

According to EVN's report, the implementation status of the projects up to May 22: Regarding compensation and site clearance: up to now, a total of 4 projects have handed over 1,177/1,177 (100%) of the column foundation locations and 478/513 (nearly 93%) of the anchorage spaces (KN), with 35/513 KN remaining. 2 provinces have completed the handover of the route corridor: Quang Binh and Ninh Binh. 7 provinces have not completed the handover of the route corridor: Ha Tinh (9/113 KN remaining), Nghe An (3/71 KN remaining), Thanh Hoa (1/137 KN remaining), Nam Dinh (7/54 KN remaining), Thai Binh (5/46 KN remaining), Hai Duong (1/28 KN remaining) and Hung Yen (9/26 KN remaining).

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and leaders of ministries, departments and branches attended the meeting.

Currently, the People's Committees of the provinces are approving compensation plans for site clearance, mobilizing people to hand over the remaining corridors in accordance with the construction progress of the projects. Supply of equipment and construction: Regarding the supply of steel columns, there are a total of 75 steel column supply packages, implemented by 18 joint contractors, including 1,177 column locations, equivalent to nearly 139,000 tons of steel. Up to now, 667/1,177 column locations have been handed over, while 510/1,177 column locations have not been handed over. Regarding the supply of equipment and materials: Currently, EVNNPT and the Project Management Boards are strongly urging contractors to urgently supply and hand over materials and equipment to implement construction and installation. However, there are still some bidding packages for the supply of equipment and materials (ceramics, accessories) manufactured and supplied from China that are behind schedule, and are expected to be delivered in early June 2024.

Regarding construction work: the summary of results achieved so far is as follows: completed casting foundations for 1,162/1,177 positions, under construction for 15/1,177 positions; completed erection of 398/1,177 column positions, under erection of 222/1,177 column positions. Completed pulling of wires for 10/513 anchor intervals, under construction for 7/513 anchor intervals.

Expected implementation plan for the next construction: According to EVN's report, the expected implementation plan for the next projects is as follows: 500kV Nam Dinh I-Thanh Hoa Thermal Power Plant Project: foundation casting: completed on May 16; pole erection: from February 7 to June 15; installation of insulators, accessories and wire pulling: from April 28 to June 20; testing, acceptance, energization: June 20 to 30, 2024.

Nam Dinh I-Pho Noi Thermal Power Plant 500kV Transmission Line Project: foundation casting: from January 18 to May 23; pole erection: from March 16 to June 15; Insulation installation, accessories and wire pulling: from May 8 to June 20; testing, acceptance, energization: June 20-30.

Quang Trach - Quynh Luu 500kV Transmission Line Project: foundation casting: from January 18 to May 23; pole erection: from March 8 to June 15; insulation installation, accessories and wire pulling: from May 11 to June 20, 2024; testing, acceptance, energization: June 20 to 30.

Quynh Luu-Thanh Hoa 500kV Transmission Line Project: foundation casting: from January 18 to May 23; pole erection: from March 28 to June 15; insulation installation, accessories and wire pulling: from May 15 to June 20; testing, acceptance, energizing: June 20-30.

Some difficulties and problems: difficulties in human resources for pole erection and wire pulling: the amount of work for pole erection and wire pulling is very large, while the remaining construction time is short. These jobs require construction workers to have capacity and experience, leading to difficulties in mobilizing human resources. It is expected that at peak times, 8,000-10,000 people will be needed to participate in pole erection and wire pulling.

Difficulties in supplying materials and equipment: some bidding packages for supplying materials and equipment (ceramics, accessories) manufactured and supplied from China are behind schedule, expected to be delivered in early June 2024.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) Nguyen Tuan Tung spoke.

Weather difficulties: Due to the transmission line stretching across 9 provinces, some sections are located in rugged mountainous areas, since the beginning of May, thunderstorms and lightning have caused slippery conditions affecting construction progress, especially for work at high altitudes such as erecting poles, installing conductors and accessories, etc.

In his concluding remarks on the progress of the Quang Trach-Pho Noi 500kV Transmission Line project, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises, EVN, the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT), and relevant ministries and branches; thanked the leaders of the 9 provinces for their close coordination and responsibility; and stated that this is an important task, requiring the mobilization of the strength of the entire political system, as well as a source of encouragement, responsibility, and close direction, requiring close coordination among agencies.

The opinions at the meeting were straight to the point, correct and accurate, forecasting the situation; highly appreciating the efforts of all relevant subjects; we need to evaluate, draw lessons, and propose specific solutions for each ministry, branch, individual, collective, and local government level, thereby joining in the action.

The Prime Minister emphasized that economic growth and economic recovery in the first quarter and April and May had many fields, many industries, and localities with positive changes, along with that in the demand for raw materials, fuels, and materials, including electricity. We forecast that the whole year's electricity output would increase by only 9%, but in the past few months it increased by 13%, at times in the North it increased by 17% compared to the same period, that is an unfavorable forecast, lower than the actual situation, we need to learn from experience and do better in the coming time. The supply of electricity for production, business and consumption needs more efforts, especially in June and July, especially June.

Regarding May, demand is basically being met well. The Prime Minister requested to re-announce inaccurate information about electricity demand, and to re-inform about the ability to meet electricity demand so that businesses and people can feel secure. The Prime Minister stated that June is the peak season, so if this 500kV line is completed before June, it will meet demand well, but it is expected to be completed by June 30. If this 500kV line is completed in June, the pressure will be less in July.

The Prime Minister stated that the results achieved in the construction of the 500kV Line 3 are very remarkable; site clearance, foundation construction, poles, and wire pulling were successfully completed. The reason for the good performance was the active participation of the Secretaries and Chairmen of the Provincial People's Committees, Party Secretaries at all levels from district to commune; the participation and support of the people who gave up their residences, production, and farming land for the project. The Prime Minister commended the efforts of EVN and EVNNPT to actively participate, the leaders always went to the construction site to urge, review the progress, and remove difficulties and obstacles; at the same time, they had to operate to meet the demand for electricity supply for production, business, and people's daily life; commended the participation of relevant ministries and branches; Welcome the spirit of the field of 8-10 thousand cadres, engineers, and workers working on the construction site with the spirit of "3 shifts, 4 shifts", "eating quickly, sleeping urgently", working through Tet, holidays, and "only discussing work, not discussing back".

The meeting took place at the Government Office and was broadcast online to 6 provinces and cities.

The Prime Minister stated that through this, we have gained more experience: that is, to grasp the requirements, tasks, and developments of the situation, on that basis, to have appropriate solutions to promote assigned tasks, promptly respond to policies, solve sudden and unexpected problems, and handle obstacles. We must work scientifically, design, and complete documents tightly, in accordance with legal regulations, thereby implementing them scientifically, methodically, and in a systematic manner according to regulations and procedures, ensuring progress and quality. We must grasp the situation, mobilize resources in terms of both human and material resources and finance to meet the requirements of each period. We must rely on the people because strength comes from the people; only when the people support, share, and coordinate closely will there be a site for construction. We must do a good job of propaganda, promote positive values, advanced examples, good practices, and effective work; launch emulation movements to complete assigned tasks appropriately and effectively. Close coordination between ministries, branches and localities is smooth, tight and effective.

Referring to the upcoming tasks, the Prime Minister pointed out that there are still many difficulties, that is, the work of erecting poles, to do that, there must be poles and construction: therefore, it is necessary to focus on directing the production of poles, ensuring sufficient quantity, and re-examining pole production contractors. Regarding wire pulling, especially the anchoring spaces, the Prime Minister requested Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Hung Yen, each province has 3-9 anchoring spaces to be proactive. Regarding imported materials and equipment, EVN is responsible for reviewing this stage, working with appropriate partners to meet the requirements and progress set. Regarding human resources, the total number of construction workers needed is 8-10 thousand people, it is necessary to calculate and closely coordinate with units such as PVN, Viettel, VNPT... - corporations with experience in wire pulling.

Regarding customs clearance, it is necessary to keep statistics on which routes and times goods arrive, discuss with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, work with domestic and foreign partners, and make more efforts.

Regarding specific tasks, the Prime Minister requested EVN to review and rebuild the critical path by June 20 to complete the wiring work so that it can conduct testing, energize, and accept. Control by day, by week, and the remaining time is very short so that the project can be inaugurated on June 30, 2024. Ministries, agencies, especially investors, contractors, consultants, and workers need to make greater efforts, overcome all difficulties and challenges, "only discuss work, no retreat".

We must pay special attention to progress but improve quality, ensure labor safety and environmental hygiene because construction is carried out in hot, rainy and landslide weather conditions; in plains, mountains, midlands, hillsides, cliffs, etc. Relevant agencies and entities must coordinate closely and effectively and inform each other of requirements to do so.

Meeting scene.

Regarding specific tasks, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and EVN to urgently appraise and complete the compensation policy framework, and strive to issue it this week. The Ministry of Transport directed management agencies to promptly complete agreements on construction measures at intersections of power lines with roads and railways. The Ministry of Finance closely coordinated with EVN to see which ports goods arrived at, and the Ministry would take measures to work with foreign partners, especially customs agencies. The Ministry of Industry and Trade directed Vietnamese Trade Office representatives abroad where EVN imported materials and equipment to resolve the work; continue to inspect and urge to grasp the project situation. The Prime Minister requested that Viettel, VNPT, PVN, etc., which have functions, experience, and pull strings, immediately provide human resources to EVN. The Ministry of Finance sent an Official Dispatch to Customs at border gates and ports to facilitate import procedures.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Industry and Trade, directly leads and directs the tasks assigned by the Prime Minister; requests that Provincial Party Secretaries and Party Secretaries at all levels continue to lead, direct, inspect and urge this project; Chairmen of Provincial People's Committees must ensure the work within their authority, urge, inspect and closely coordinate with ministries and branches, especially EVN and EVNNPT in the localities; ensure the legal and legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and people in the areas where the line passes through, need to meet and dialogue with the people; ensure the construction site for pulling the wire with the spirit of "if there is even one household left, we must come and mobilize"; Chairmen of People's Committees and localities closely coordinate with EVN to mobilize resources. Units must participate.

EVN and the corporations closely coordinate with the local authorities and power units to immediately resolve difficulties to ensure synchronization, take measures to effectively solve environmental sanitation problems, and not affect the surrounding people; promptly resolve payment procedures; regularly inspect and urge contractors, especially steel pole suppliers, to focus on implementation with the spirit of "overcoming the sun, overcoming the rain", "3 shifts, 4 shifts", working through holidays and days off, meeting the set progress requirements, on the construction site "eating quickly, sleeping urgently", "only working, not talking back", ensuring the health and rights of workers are protected.

PVN, VNPT, Viettel must actively participate; EVN must proactively make requests to these corporations, the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises, the Ministry of National Defense must direct these units, providing maximum support for human resources and equipment. EVNNPT is preparing for acceptance, energizing to ensure safety... determined to complete energizing by June 30.

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting on plans to ensure electricity supply during the peak of hot weather and the Plan to implement the VIII Electricity Plan, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that production, business and economic recovery are progressing positively, so it is necessary to ensure sufficient electricity supply; when the economy grows by 1%, electricity growth must be higher, it is necessary to forecast the situation closely, learn from last year's experience, and definitely not let there be a shortage of electricity. Up to now, the set target has been generally ensured, but we must not be subjective. Although the weather is cool, we must prepare for the worst possible scenarios; we must be more proactive and positive because there is a basis: the work of electricity sector staff has been stabilized; because of learning from last year's management experience, the coordination between power sources is smoother.

The Prime Minister stated that April was the hottest month in the past 50 years, and we overcame it, proving that we were well prepared and overcame that challenge. It is expected that this year we will consume over 300 billion kWh. We must diversify our power sources, coordinate well between hydroelectric, thermal, gas-fired, solar, and biomass sources. We must be proactive, balanced, regulated, flexible, timely, and effective in terms of power sources. We must consider calculations and coordinate closely between ministries, branches, and EVN to use water resources. The Prime Minister stated that power sources must be diverse and prepared as best as possible, including imported sources from China, Laos, etc.; actively make the most of domestic capacity.

Regarding coal sources for thermal power, the Prime Minister requested the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV) and the Northeast Corporation to exploit coal to the maximum extent possible because in the future, we must fulfill our commitment to reduce net emissions to zero by 2050; strive to reduce coal imports, increase employment for people and businesses, and consider overall benefits, not local benefits. We must strictly control and combat negativity and coal smuggling from other countries; request competent authorities and investigative agencies to actively intervene, prevent and repel illegal coal mining and import.

Regarding water resources, the Prime Minister requested reasonable coordination, drawing on experience from last year's electricity operation; therefore, coordination should be more reasonable, but attention should be paid to flexibility, not "jerky" operation, considering that if the hydrological situation is favorable, we should take advantage of exploiting hydropower resources to avoid wasting water resources.

EVN closely coordinates with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to specifically calculate and exploit the maximum advantages of hydropower. Regarding gas sources for power generation, both short-term and long-term calculations must be made. The Ministry of Industry and Trade must urgently complete the drafting of a Decree regulating the mechanism for developing power projects using natural gas and LNG.

In addition, wind and solar power sources, the Prime Minister stated that we are actively developing solar power sources. The Prime Minister requested that the Direct Electricity Purchase and Sale Decree be completed before May 30; encourage investment in self-produced and self-consumed power sources through mechanisms and policies. The policy drafting process must be true to the nature of the problem; benefits must be harmonized, risks must be shared between the State, people, and businesses; and benefits and negativity must not be inserted...

Regarding power transmission, we are completing the power lines, encouraging BOT investment in power transmission lines, encouraging the development of self-produced and self-consumed power sources; having mechanisms and policies to mobilize maximum social resources. Quickly completing the 2 power transmission systems under investment; encouraging private investment in power transmission lines.

Regarding electricity distribution, the Prime Minister requested the National Power System Control Center to operate harmoniously and effectively, promote electricity saving; strictly follow Directive 20 of the Prime Minister on electricity saving; strengthen propaganda on electricity saving and efficient use of electricity. Balance the stages of electricity distribution, transmission, and rational use of electricity between regions. Regarding electricity prices, it is necessary to encourage and mobilize social resources, reasonably ensure people's ability to pay, and the endurance of the economy.

The Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of Industry and Trade must make efforts to submit to the Government for promulgation 3 Decrees, especially the Decree on the direct electricity purchase and sale mechanism this May, to meet practical requirements and not to let complicated issues arise. To do so, it is necessary to listen to the opinions of the people, businesses, and related parties.

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