PC Thanh Hoa and Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Board and the province's industrial parks join hands to solve electricity difficulties

Nghi Son Economic Zone is identified as one of the key industrial centers of the country, the "locomotive" of economic development of Thanh Hoa province, attracting a series of large projects in the fields of petrochemical refining, metallurgy, cement, mechanical engineering and energy. The rapid development of Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks in the area has led to an increasing demand for electricity, requiring the electricity industry to have synchronous and timely solutions to ensure safe, stable and sustainable power supply.

A general overview of the working session.

Based on that reality, on September 8th, a delegation from Thanh Hoa Power Company (PC Thanh Hoa) held a working session with the Management Board of Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks in Thanh Hoa province.

According to a report by Thanh Hoa Power Company, the province currently receives electricity from 5 220kV substations with a total capacity of 2,250 MVA, along with 45 110kV substations (78 transformers, capacity of 3,469 MVA) and more than 10,000 distribution substations. In addition, the power system is supplemented by 5 inland hydropower plants (total capacity of nearly 281 MW) and several renewable energy projects.

The existing power sources and grid basically meet the load demand. However, in the Nghi Son area, the capacity has approached the safety limit of some lines. In particular, the Nghi Son Cement branch line is currently carrying nearly maximum load (79.1 MW/80 MW), posing a risk of localized overload, directly affecting voltage quality and operational safety.

According to the Power Development Plan VIII and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Planning for the period 2021–2030, with a vision to 2045, many important 220kV substation projects will be built in Nghi Son town and neighboring districts such as Tinh Gia, Dong Vang, Hoa Dau, Hau Loc, Thieu Hoa, Thieu Yen, Ba Thuoc... Of these, only the Hau Loc 220kV substation is currently under construction, expected to be operational in Q2/2027, while many other projects lack specific information on investment progress.

This delay poses a risk of electricity shortages in the near future, especially as large-scale industrial projects in the Nghi Son Economic Zone and other industrial parks are gradually becoming operational. Furthermore, the incomplete provincial planning, lacking a comprehensive list and connection plans for 110kV power lines and medium- and low-voltage grids, also hinders the appraisal and approval of new projects, impacting the progress of investment attraction.

During the meeting, Thanh Hoa Power Company frankly pointed out several difficulties and obstacles: The provincial plan lacks a list and connection plan for 110kV power lines, and is short of medium and low voltage grid capacity (only updated up to 2025), causing difficulties in appraisal and investment list preparation. Many investors also requested adjustments or additions of new 110kV substations. Furthermore, the revised Power Plan VIII differs from the provincial plan, while Thanh Hoa has been allocated additional power capacity from various sources, requiring timely updates and adjustments. Otherwise, project approval will face difficulties, potentially affecting voltage quality and power supply for the province's socio-economic development.

In response to the above situation, Thanh Hoa Power Company has put forward several recommendations, including: implementing the demarcation of 110kV to 500kV power lines in the Nghi Son Economic Zone as directed by the Provincial People's Committee, to provide a legal basis for management and investment; promptly updating the locations of 110kV substations and connecting power lines into the general planning of industrial zones, especially Lam Son Industrial Zone and Dong Vang Industrial Zone; accelerating investment in the Dong Vang 220kV substation through a public-private partnership model to ensure stable power supply for the area; strengthening coordination in land clearance and relocation of existing power infrastructure to avoid delays affecting project progress; and facilitating the approval of land use for power projects, replacing the current method of temporary capital approval which has many shortcomings. We propose that the Management Board further advise the government, businesses, and people to cooperate, support, and share information with the unit in the planning, land clearance, compensation, and ensuring the safety of the power grid corridor.

During the meeting, representatives from the Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Board and industrial parks exchanged and shared many practical issues.

In an open and frank working spirit, representatives from the Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Board and industrial parks exchanged and shared many practical issues. Both sides agreed that the demand for electricity in the area is currently increasing sharply, especially in the context of many large industrial projects being implemented. The Management Board requested Thanh Hoa Power Company to continue proactively coordinating from the planning stage to project implementation, in order to ensure timely electricity supply and avoid localized overloading.

Representatives from the Management Board also stated that they will coordinate more closely in planning, land clearance, resolving difficulties related to the power grid safety corridor, and relocating power facilities. The two sides have established a mechanism for regular information exchange, promptly addressing emerging issues, thereby improving coordination efficiency and ensuring the progress of key projects.

Mr. Hoang Hai, Director of Thanh Hoa Power Company, spoke at the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Hoang Hai, Director of Thanh Hoa Power Company, emphasized: The company is committed to being a unit with sufficient resources, expertise, and the best service quality to meet the electricity needs of customers. He also expressed his desire for the cooperation and collaboration of the Nghi Son Economic Zone Management Board and industrial parks, local authorities, and businesses to overcome difficulties, accelerate project progress, and promptly meet the industrial development needs of the province.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Management Board of Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks in Thanh Hoa province, Nguyen Tien Hieu, delivered the concluding remarks at the working session.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Tien Hieu, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Management Board of Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks in Thanh Hoa province, acknowledged and highly appreciated the proactive approach and sense of responsibility of Thanh Hoa Power Company. He also requested the specialized departments of the Board to coordinate more regularly and flexibly with the electricity sector to definitively resolve obstacles and ensure stable and sustainable electricity supply for the area.

The working program affirmed the commitment to collaboration between Thanh Hoa Power Company and the Management Board of Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks, working together to build a solid power infrastructure. This is an important step for Thanh Hoa to continue attracting investment, developing industry, and realizing the goal of becoming a modern, prosperous, and civilized industrial province.

Hung Manh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/pc-thanh-hoa-va-ban-quan-ly-kkt-nghi-son-va-cac-kcn-tinh-chung-tay-thao-go-kho-khan-ve-dien-nang-261013.htm