Urgent completion of the 500kV Quang Tri substation.

In late October, incessant rain blanketed Quang Tri province. At the Quang Tri 500kV substation construction site – an urgent project in the National Power Development Plan – the bustling scene of machinery and hurried workers was gone. Instead, there was a quiet sense of impatience mixed with determination among the people who were diligently working on each construction item during the prolonged rainy days.

On the rain-soaked construction site, Mr. Nguyen Manh Thuong, a specialist in the Technical Department of the Central Power Projects Management Board (CPMB), could not hide his anxiety. "Currently, the basic construction is complete, and we are entering the phase of site preparation and internal road construction. Equipment installation is about 80% complete. We expect to complete and energize the project in the fourth quarter of 2025, in time for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The overall progress is currently around 85-90%," Mr. Thuong said.

According to Mr. Thuong, the biggest difficulty was the rainy season in Central Vietnam, with almost continuous rain significantly affecting construction. "We were almost unable to work outdoors for many days. But for the common goal, the team still tried to persevere, taking advantage of every dry hour to work. Everyone was eager to complete the project on schedule," Mr. Thuong said.

On the construction site, safety is always the top priority. Safety and environmental sanitation plans were developed by the contractor and approved by the investor from the outset. Each unit has assigned safety officers to be on duty regularly, strictly monitoring each construction item. Although manpower had to be spread thin due to the simultaneous implementation of many key power industry projects, CPMB effectively utilized local labor resources, ensuring the basic construction progress. "At peak times, there were more than 100 people working on the construction site at the same time, including both construction and installation," Mr. Thuong said.

Mr. Nguyen The Cuong, Deputy Head of the Technical and Materials Department of PC1 Thang Long Joint Stock Company, shared: "The joint venture between PC1 Thang Long and Alphanam E&C is responsible for the construction and installation of the transformer substation; in which, PC1 Thang Long plays the role of manager. The construction progress has basically completed the building phase, with the remaining work mainly focusing on site preparation and internal roads. Regarding the electrical system, the installation volume has reached 90-95%, and wire laying is approximately 70-80% complete."

Despite the cold, rainy weather, Mr. Cuong and his workers remained steadfast at the construction site. "This weather is the biggest factor affecting the installation work. With the heavy rain, we have to put up tarpaulins and shelters to keep up with the schedule. We started connecting the indoor cabinets on October 25th, and around November 5th, we will hand them over to the testing unit for phased testing to ensure they are ready for power connection by the end of November."

Currently, there are three installation teams on the site, each with 12-15 people, along with a construction team that mobilizes local labor. "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 three months due to continuous heavy rain. Now everyone hopes the weather will stop soon so we can work at full capacity," Mr. Cuong added.

Coordination between the Project Management Board and contractors is maintained closely. Daily construction plans are clearly communicated, with daily volume reports and plans for the following day prepared at the end of each day. CPMB assigns technical staff to be on-site, working closely with the contractor's engineering teams. Any arising issues are addressed immediately on-site or promptly reported to higher authorities for resolution.

Speaking with a VNA reporter in the still-under-construction control building next to the substation, Mr. Pham Nhu Tuong, Head of the Quang Tri 500kV Substation Operation Team, shared his concerns, clearly seeing the common worries of the workers. Continuous rain has prevented many items from being implemented, affecting the progress. Despite this, the construction unit is still trying its best, resuming work as soon as the rain stops.

Mr. Tuong stated that the station has completed the installation of the primary equipment, while the secondary equipment is currently being transported. "Testing and calibration are also being carried out simultaneously. Once all the equipment arrives, we will coordinate with supervisors to expedite the installation process and finalize the equipment documentation in preparation for operation," Mr. Tuong said.

Mr. Tuong shared that, according to the plan, the Quang Tri 500kV substation will have a staff of approximately 17 people, including team leaders, deputy team leaders, and operating personnel. Each shift will have 5-6 main staff members and 9-10 auxiliary staff members, divided into 3 shifts and 4 teams, ready to respond in all conditions, including storms.

"The current staffing is basically sufficient. Some have been seconded from substations belonging to Power Transmission Companies 2 and 3, such as from Da Nang and Van Phong. The majority of personnel have passed the operation certification exams. When the project is completed, we will be fully capable of taking over and operating the substation," Mr. Tuong said.

On the construction site, amidst the drizzling rain, Mr. Do Van Cuong, a worker from Electrical Installation Team 2 – PC1 Thang Long, was still carefully adjusting each piece of equipment. "The heavy rain makes construction very difficult; it's slippery and damp, but we're still trying our best. We can work normally in light rain, but in heavy rain we have to cover things up to avoid interruptions. Everyone hopes to finish soon to meet the investor's deadline," Mr. Cuong said.

In addition, supervision and safety are always strictly maintained. "No matter how urgent the situation, workplace safety remains the top priority. Everyone reminds themselves to follow the correct procedures and prevent any accidents," Mr. Cuong shared.

The Quang Tri 500kV substation project is in its final stages, aiming for phase 1 energization by the end of November and the entire project completed by December 19, 2025. Despite the harsh weather and the large volume of work remaining, the construction team on that muddy site still exudes a sense of responsibility, determination, and pride.

Amidst the prolonged rainy days in Central Vietnam, there was no roar of engines or frantic work pace, but the "heat" of the construction site was still palpable: heat from the anxious eyes and unwavering determination of the engineers and workers as they spoke about the goal of "connecting the power supply on schedule."

Behind that quiet facade lies a project of special significance – the Quang Tri 500kV Substation – where hundreds of people are devoting their efforts to a major goal for the power transmission industry.

On March 20, 2024, in Quang Tri, the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) and the Central Power Projects Management Board (CPMB) officially commenced the construction of the Quang Tri 500kV Substation and the connecting transmission line from Quang Tri to Vung Ang and Da Nang.

The project has a total investment of 965 billion VND, with EVNNPT as the investor and CPMB managing it on its behalf. Its objectives are to ensure electricity supply to the regional load, relieve the capacity of power plants in Quang Tri, and improve the reliability of electricity supply to Central Vietnam.

The substation is located in Quang Tri province, approximately 2.5km northeast of the existing 500kV Vung Ang - Da Nang transmission line. The facility has a voltage level of 500kV and 220kV, comprising two 500kV-2x(3x300) MVA transformers, with one transformer installed in the initial phase. The connecting transmission lines include branches A and B of the 500kV line, totaling nearly 6km in length; and a 220kV connecting line of over 6km 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