Mobilizing all resources, determined not to delay the progress of 500 kV line circuit 3

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the morning of May 23, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting on the implementation of the 500 kV transmission line circuit 3 Quang Trach - Pho Noi project, and plans to ensure electricity supply during peak periods in 2024, 2025 and the following years.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting on the implementation of the 500 kV transmission line circuit 3 Quang Trach-Pho Noi project, plans to ensure electricity supply during peak periods in 2024, 2025 and the following years - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Also attending the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister and Head of the Government Office Tran Van Son, Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises Nguyen Hoang Anh, leaders of relevant ministries, agencies, localities with projects, corporations and State-owned enterprises in the energy sector.

Regarding electricity supply, according to reports, in the first 5 months of 2024, in the context of high electricity consumption demand and unfavorable hydrological developments, to maximize water savings in hydroelectric reservoirs, thermal power sources, especially coal-fired thermal power in the Northern region, have been highly mobilized.

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 enough electricity for production and daily life of the whole country.

The total electricity production and import output nationwide in the first 5 months is estimated at 124.2 billion kWh, up 12.1% over the same period in 2023. The commercial electricity output in the first 5 months is estimated at 110.24 billion kWh, up 14.1% over the same period in 2023.

In particular, at the end of April, the prolonged hot weather in all three regions caused electricity consumption to increase to a record high, with the national maximum capacity reaching 47,670 MW (April 27), an increase of 13.2% over the same period in 2023, with the largest daily electricity output reaching 993 million kWh (April 26).

In the coming time, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the national power system will basically meet enough electricity for socio-economic development and people's needs for most of 2024.

The basis for this is the proactive preparation of fuel supply for electricity production. The total amount of water currently available in hydroelectric reservoirs converted to electricity output is about 11.3 billion kWh, which is a reserve source of electricity for the upcoming peak period.

Regarding capacity balance, the Central and Southern regions meet capacity balance. However, the North is at risk of peak capacity shortage, especially during the hottest months (June to August) in case adverse factors appear simultaneously.

The Prime Minister stated that the construction of the 500 kV line 3 is a key and crucial task, requiring the total mobilization of resources and good coordination among forces; relevant entities need to make efforts to resolve difficulties and obstacles in project implementation - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Regarding the 500 kV line 3, Quang Trach - Pho Noi, the weather is currently in the transitional period, so rain, sunshine, and thunderstorms are unpredictable, causing difficulties for construction work. However, ministries, localities, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) are working with contractors to make efforts to overcome the disadvantages, determined to complete the projects according to the schedule assigned by the Prime Minister.

Up to now, 1,177/1,177 column foundation positions (100%), 478/513 anchorage corridors (93%) have been handed over. Regarding steel column supply, 667/1,177 column positions have been handed over.

Regarding construction, 1,162/1,177 foundation casting positions have been completed, 15/1,177 positions are under construction; 398/1,177 column erection positions have been completed, 222/1,177 positions are under erection; 10/513 anchorage spans have been completed, and 7/513 anchorage spans are under construction.

EVN is strongly urging construction contractors to concentrate human resources and construction machinery to soon complete the construction of column foundations, pole erection, and wire stretching according to the committed schedule; urging contractors supplying materials and equipment (steel columns, conductors, accessories, fiber optic cables, etc.) to promptly complete manufacturing and transport to the construction site for installation.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha speaks at the meeting - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Control the progress of line 3 weekly and daily

Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the construction of the 500 kV line 3 is a key and important task, but also a difficult one, requiring the total mobilization of resources and good coordination among forces.

The Prime Minister acknowledged and highly appreciated the results in the implementation of the 500 kV line circuit 3, many works have been and are being done well, such as site clearance, foundation and pole construction, and wire pulling.

This was achieved thanks to the active participation of the secretaries and chairmen of the People's Committees of the localities; the participation and support of the people, especially those who gave up their residences and production and business places for the project; the efforts of EVN and EVNNPT; the active participation of relevant ministries and branches; and the enthusiastic working spirit of 8,000-10,000 officers, engineers, workers and laborers at the construction site.

The Prime Minister pointed out 6 lessons learned: (1) Grasp the requirements, tasks, and developments of the situation to have appropriate solutions to promote assigned tasks, promptly respond to policies, resolve sudden and unexpected problems, and handle obstacles; (2) work must be scientific, design, complete documents tightly, organize implementation methodically, in accordance with legal regulations; (3) mobilize appropriate human, financial, and material resources to meet the requirements of each time and each stage; (4) must rely on the people, because resources originate from thinking, motivation originates from innovation, and strength originates from the people; (5) focus on doing a good job of propaganda, mobilization, and launching emulation movements, promoting positive values, advanced examples, good practices, and good experiences; (6) coordinate smoothly, closely, synchronously, and effectively among ministries, branches, localities, and agencies.

Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son speaks at the meeting - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister pointed out that, in addition to the very basic results achieved, relevant entities need to make more efforts to resolve difficulties and problems in project implementation regarding columns, anchorage, human resources and equipment clearance.

Accordingly, the provinces of Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Hung Yen still have many anchorages (each province has from 3 to 9 anchorages) that have not been handed over and must be completed urgently.

EVN focuses on working and urging manufacturing contractors to ensure adequate supply of poles; reviewing equipment imports, working with partners to promote progress and quality requirements.

Regarding human resources for pulling wires and erecting poles, EVN calculates, works, and closely coordinates with capable and experienced units such as PVN, Viettel, VNPT... These units provide maximum support in terms of human resources and equipment according to EVN's request.

Regarding problems related to customs clearance of goods which are equipment for the project, EVN synthesizes specific information (customs clearance gate, customs clearance time), exchanges and coordinates with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport to resolve; the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport work with competent agencies of the countries; the Ministry of Finance directs customs forces at border gates to facilitate and promote customs clearance.

The Prime Minister requested EVN to review and rebuild the project's progress critical path, control it daily and weekly, and complete the wire pulling by June 20, then test, accept and energize it no later than June 30.

Project implementation must ensure progress, improve quality, ensure safety and environmental sanitation, especially when constructing on many terrains during the hot, rainy and flood seasons, with high risk of landslides; and prevent corruption and negativity.

Ministries, agencies, investors, contractors and workers must be more determined, make greater efforts, overcome all difficulties and challenges to complete tasks according to assigned functions, tasks and powers; agencies must coordinate closely and effectively, and notify each other of specific requirements.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien speaks at the meeting - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Regarding some specific tasks, the Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien to continue to direct, inspect, and urge according to the Prime Minister's direction.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and EVN urgently organize appraisal and complete the compensation policy framework for the project, which must be completed by this week at the latest.

The Ministry of Transport directed agencies to promptly complete agreements on construction measures at intersections between power lines and roads and railways.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade continues to hold weekly review meetings on the project; directs Vietnamese trade offices in countries where EVN imports equipment to promote this, considering it a key task in May and June.

The local Party secretaries continue to pay attention to leading, directing and inspecting the project implementation in the area; the local People's Committee chairmen carry out tasks within their authority. Localities continue to coordinate with ministries and branches, especially EVN and EVNNPT to mobilize resources and human resources to implement the project, including youth union members; ensure the rights, legal and legitimate interests of people in the areas where the project passes through, promptly complete site clearance with the requirement "if there is even one household left, we must come and mobilize", hand over the site, ensure the construction site and pull the wire.

EVN regularly inspects and urges contractors to focus on project implementation with the spirit of "only working, no back-talking", "braving the sun, overcoming the rain", "eating and sleeping quickly", working in "3 shifts", working on holidays, through Tet... while ensuring the ability to regenerate labor and the legitimate and legal rights of workers; promptly handling payment procedures, determined to complete the project and turn on the power on June 30.

Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises Nguyen Hoang Anh speaks at the meeting - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Electricity supply: Overcoming challenges in the hottest April on record

Regarding electricity supply, the Prime Minister pointed out that the economic growth rate and the recovery of production and business in the first quarter and April and May of 2024 with positive changes in many industries, fields and localities have led to increased demand for electricity. According to forecasts, the demand for electricity for the whole year will increase by about 9%, but in the past few months it has increased by 13%, with the peak demand for electricity in the North increasing by 17% over the same period.

Up to this point, thanks to the experience of 2023, the agencies have operated better, basically meeting the electricity demand well, especially overcoming the challenge of the hottest April in history.

However, the Prime Minister emphasized that we must make more efforts, absolutely not be subjective or negligent, closely forecast the situation, prepare the best plan, and be ready for the worst possible scenario to ensure electricity supply for production, business and consumption in the coming time, especially in June 2024 when the 500kV line 3 is expected to be completed at the end of June.

The Prime Minister pointed out specific tasks related to power sources, power transmission, power use, power distribution, power use, and power prices; assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to directly direct agencies to perform tasks according to assigned functions, tasks, and powers.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister requested to diversify electricity sources, including imports, but make the most of domestic capacity; coordinate well, appropriately, and effectively all sources, including thermal power, hydropower, solar power, wind power, biomass power, etc. Power plants must calculate appropriate maintenance and repair times, and not stop operations of all plants at the same time.

The Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies, investors, contractors and workers to be more determined, make greater efforts, overcome all difficulties and challenges to complete the work according to assigned functions, tasks and powers - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Coal-Mineral Group and the Northeast Corporation exploit and meet the maximum demand for coal, and limit coal imports to the maximum. In this regard, we must consider the overall benefit, not just local interests; the authorities do a good job of preventing, stopping, and repelling illegal mining and coal smuggling.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, together with agencies and EVN, should consider, calculate, and operate hydroelectric reservoirs appropriately and most effectively, ensuring flexibility and agility, without "jerking". If the hydrological situation is favorable, they should take advantage of the maximum exploitation of hydroelectric resources to avoid waste.

Regarding power transmission, the Prime Minister requested to urgently complete the lines under construction, including the 500 kV line 3, and have mechanisms and policies to mobilize social resources and encourage investment in power transmission in the spirit of "harmonious benefits and shared risks" among the State, people and businesses.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade urgently completes and submits for promulgation decrees related to direct electricity trading; encourages self-production and self-consumption of rooftop solar power; and mechanisms for developing power projects using natural gas and LNG based on listening to the opinions of relevant parties so that policies can be put into practice, meet practical requirements, prevent corruption and negativity, and avoid complicated problems.

The Prime Minister also noted the need to distribute electricity appropriately, effectively, and balancedly among regions; strictly implement Prime Minister's Directive No. 20/CT-TTg on enhancing electricity saving, and do a good job of communicating about economical and efficient electricity use; electricity prices need to be appropriate to the affordability of people and businesses, the capacity of the economy, and encourage investment in priority areas, and mobilize social resources.

The Prime Minister gave specific opinions on the proposals and recommendations at the meeting, assigning agencies to handle them urgently and promptly.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister also requested EVN and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to continue to promptly publish official and accurate information, refuting inaccurate information about electricity supply to reassure people and businesses, as recently confirmed that the information calling on some businesses in the North to voluntarily reduce 30% of electricity usage was incorrect.

Ha Van - Government Portal

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/huy-dong-tong-luc-quyet-khong-lui-tien-do-duong-day-500-kv-mach-3-102240523123801331.htm