Urgently completing the 500kV Quang Tri transformer station

In the last days of October, heavy rain covered the entire Quang Tri. At the construction site of the 500kV Quang Tri transformer station - an urgent project in the National Power Development Plan, there was no longer a scene of bustling machines or workers working hurriedly, but instead there was "impatience" mixed with quiet determination from the people who were sticking to each construction item during the long rainy days.

On the wet construction site, Mr. Nguyen Manh Thuong, a specialist from the Technical Department of the Central Power Project Management Board (CPMB), could not hide his anxiety. "Currently, the basic construction has been completed, we are entering the stage of completing the ground and internal roads. The equipment installation work has reached about 80%. It is expected to be completed and energized in the fourth quarter of 2025, welcoming the 14th National Party Congress. The current overall progress is about 85 - 90%," said Mr. Thuong.

According to Mr. Thuong, the biggest difficulty is that the weather in the Central region has entered the rainy season, with almost continuous rain, significantly affecting the construction. "We can hardly work outdoors for many days. But for the common goal, we still try to stay, taking advantage of every hour of clear weather to work. Everyone is eager to complete the project on schedule," Mr. Thuong said.

At the construction site, safety is always the top priority. Safety and environmental sanitation plans have been established by the contractor and approved by the investor from the beginning. Each unit has assigned safety officers to be on duty regularly and strictly supervise each construction item. Although the workforce has to be spread thin due to the simultaneous implementation of many key projects of the electricity industry, CPMB has effectively utilized local labor resources, ensuring basic construction progress. "At peak times, there were times when more than 100 people worked at the construction site, including construction and installation," said Mr. Thuong.

Mr. Nguyen The Cuong, Deputy Head of Technical - Materials Department, PC1 Thang Long Joint Stock Company shared: "The joint venture PC1 Thang Long and Alphanam E&C is in charge of the construction and installation of the transformer station; in which, PC1 Thang Long plays the role of operator. The construction progress so far has basically completed the construction part, the rest is mainly finishing the ground and internal roads. Regarding the electrical part, the installation volume has reached 90 - 95%, the wiring has reached about 70 - 80%".

In the cold and rainy weather, Mr. Cuong and his workers still stayed at the construction site. "This weather has the biggest impact on the installation work. With heavy rain, we have to stretch tarpaulins and cover to keep up with the schedule. On October 25, we will start connecting the indoor cabinets and around November 5, we will hand them over to the testing unit, conduct rolling tests to turn on the power in time for the end of November."

Currently, there are 3 installation teams at the site, each team has 12-15 people, along with a construction team mobilizing local workers. "Everyone is aware that if we don't take advantage of every sunny day, the progress will be delayed. Because at the beginning of the year, we lost nearly 3 months due to continuous heavy rain. Now everyone is hoping for the weather to clear up soon so we can work at full capacity," Mr. Cuong added.

Coordination between the Project Management Board and contractors is maintained closely. Every day, the construction plan is clearly disseminated, the volume is reported at the end of the day and the next day's plan is made. CPMB arranges technical staff to be on duty at the construction site, along with the contractor's engineering teams to closely monitor the site. Any problems that arise are handled on the spot, or promptly reported to superiors for resolution.

Receiving a VNA reporter in the operation house that is still under completion next to the station, Mr. Pham Nhu Tuong, Head of the Operation Team of the Quang Tri 500kV Station, shared his concerns when he saw the common worries of the workers. The continuous rain has made it impossible for many items to be implemented, affecting the progress. However, the construction unit still tries its best, and as soon as the rain clears, they start work immediately.

Mr. Tuong said that the station has completed the installation of the primary equipment, and the secondary equipment is in the process of being transported. "The testing and calibration work is also being carried out in parallel. When the equipment is fully arrived, we will coordinate with the supervisor to speed up the installation process and complete the equipment history to prepare for operation," Mr. Tuong said.

Mr. Tuong shared that according to the plan, the Quang Tri 500kV station will have a staff of about 17 people, including team leader, deputy team leader and operators. Each shift will have 5-6 main people and 9-10 assistants, divided into 3 shifts of 4 teams, ready to respond in all conditions, even during storms.

"Currently, the staff is basically sufficient. Some were mobilized from stations under Power Transmission Company 2 and 3, such as from Da Nang and Van Phong. Most of the staff have passed the operating certificate exam. When the project is completed, we will be fully capable of receiving and operating the station," said Mr. Tuong.

At the construction site, in the drizzling rain, Mr. Do Van Cuong, a worker of Electrical Construction Team 2 - PC1 Thang Long, was still carefully adjusting each piece of equipment. "The heavy rain made the construction difficult, slippery and wet, but we still tried. In light rain, we worked normally, in heavy rain, we covered up to avoid interruption. Everyone wanted to finish soon to meet the schedule set by the investor," said Mr. Cuong.

In addition, supervision and safety are always strictly maintained. "No matter how urgent, labor safety requirements are still top priority. Everyone reminds themselves to follow the correct procedures to avoid accidents," Mr. Cuong shared.

The 500kV Quang Tri transformer station project is in the final stage, aiming to energize phase 1 at the end of November and complete the entire project on December 19, 2025. Despite the harsh weather and large workload, the responsibility, determination and pride of the electricity construction team still shine through on that muddy land.

Amidst the long rainy days in the Central region, there was no loud engine noise or hurried work pace, but the "heat" of the construction site was still clearly felt: heat from the impatient eyes, from the determination of engineers and workers when talking about the goal of "turning on the power on time".

Behind that silence is a project of special significance – Quang Tri 500kV Transformer Station – where hundreds of people are devoting their efforts to the great goal of the power transmission industry.

On March 20, 2024, in Quang Tri, the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) and the Central Power Project Management Board (CPMB) officially started the construction of the 500kV Quang Tri Transformer Station project and the Quang Tri - Vung Ang - Da Nang connection line.

The project has a total investment of 965 billion VND, with EVNNPT as the investor and CPMB as the manager, with the goal of ensuring power supply for regional loads, releasing capacity of power plants in Quang Tri and improving the reliability of power supply for the Central region.

The station is built in Quang Tri province, about 2.5km northeast of the existing 500kV Vung Ang - Da Nang line. The project has a voltage level of 500kV and 220kV, including 2 500kV-2x(3x300) MVA transformers, 1 unit will be installed in the first phase. The connecting lines include branches A and B of the 500kV line with a total length of nearly 6km; the 220kV connecting line is more than 6km long, connecting Dong Ha - Hue and Dong Ha - Phong Dien.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/gap-rut-hoan-thien-tram-bien-ap-500kv-quang-tri-20251026091628835.htm