Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Project: Efforts to complete on schedule

Amidst the vast mountains and forests, the construction site of the Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Project (Bac Ai Tay commune) is bustling with the sounds of machinery and transport vehicles these days. Engineers and workers are working day and night, and various components, large and small, are gradually taking shape in the wilderness, demonstrating the determination of the investor, contractor, and local authorities to complete the project on schedule.

Strategic project

The Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower plant is tasked with generating peak electricity at a maximum capacity of 1,200 MW for the national power grid during peak hours, and pumping water from the Song Cai reservoir to the upstream reservoir for energy storage during off-peak hours; contributing to flattening the load curve for the power system. The project is divided into two investment phases: Phase 1, the construction of the spillway structure located deep within the Song Cai irrigation reservoir, was completed and accepted in March 2021. Phase 2 includes all remaining project components and is expected to be completed and put into operation by the end of 2030.

Comrade Ho Xuan Truong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, inspected the progress of the construction project.

According to Mr. Pham Thanh Hoai, Director of the Power Project Management Board 3 and Director of the Project Executive Board, this is a strategic project contributing to strengthening national energy security and creating a driving force for socio-economic development in the locality. With modern technology, the project is considered a "boost" opening a new era for the energy sector. This is a unique type of hydropower plant, capable of storing and regenerating electricity, contributing to load regulation and ensuring the safety of the power system in the context of increasing energy demand. Therefore, from the day of commencement, the province has always created favorable conditions for businesses to implement the project. Departments and agencies have also proactively and regularly monitored the site, promptly resolving any arising difficulties; listening to the concerns of contractors and people affected by the project.

Most of the contractors on the construction site are reputable and experienced companies in hydropower construction. Their professionalism is evident in every aspect of the work: from tunnel drilling and machinery operation to quality control of materials, progress, and occupational safety. As a result, despite the challenging mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather, the contractors maintain a stable pace of work, ensuring that each technical milestone is met according to plan. Simultaneously, occupational safety and environmental protection are always prioritized. On-site guards and warning signs are always present; workers receive regular training; and strict control of emissions, wastewater treatment, and waste collection is implemented.

Ensure construction progress

Over the past period, the project implementing units have actively coordinated with local authorities in carrying out compensation and land clearance work. Thanks to a transparent approach, listening to people's opinions, and providing specific explanations of the project's objectives and benefits, most households have agreed, creating favorable conditions for implementation. As a result, land has been acquired and compensated for 37 households and 2 organizations. Relevant agencies and local authorities are currently compensating and acquiring land for 29 households. In addition, contractors have actively participated in many community activities, helping people better understand the significance of the project and creating a strong bond between businesses, the government, and the people.

The project's components are progressing according to schedule, as ensured by the construction units.

On the construction site, the Project Management Board and relevant agencies maintain a constant monitoring regime. Every problem is addressed immediately; every proposal from the contractor is considered and processed; every important progress is thoroughly reviewed. Construction progress is ensured, and the volume of work completed is high. To date, many items of the project have reached progress levels ranging from 18% to 99%.

Inside a tunnel dug deep into the mountain.

During a recent inspection, Comrade Ho Xuan Truong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, emphasized that this is an important project for the province. Therefore, the units implementing the project must do a good job in social welfare work, coordinate with the local authorities to disseminate information and mobilize public support; ensure absolute safety in labor and the environment during construction; strengthen on-site supervision and consider this a regular task. At the same time, focus on doing a good job in compensation and land clearance; closely coordinate with relevant departments, agencies, and localities to resolve difficulties during project implementation; and promptly report to the Government and central ministries and agencies to address difficulties. Bac Ai Tay commune must have a plan to promptly coordinate and handle issues to ensure security and order at the project site. All of this is for the goal of ensuring the project's progress, contributing to the socio-economic development of the province, and ensuring national energy security...

The tunnels and underpasses are being constructed on schedule by the contractors.

The Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant project was approved by the Prime Minister in the National Power Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. This is Vietnam's first pumped storage hydropower project, classified as a Group A, special-grade energy project. The project is invested by the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), with the Project Management Board 3 - EVN Branch acting as the investor's representative. It comprises 4 generating units, utilizing advanced technology and equipment integrating a two-way turbine-pump and generator-motor system, with a total investment of over 21,101 billion VND.

VAN GIANG

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/kinh-te/202512/cong-trinh-thuy-dien-tich-nang-bac-aino-luc-de-hoan-thanh-dung-tien-do-2b66286/