Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line: Miracle of Vietnam's power sector

Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line project stands as a symbol of determination and innovation within Vietnam's power sector. This groundbreaking project marks the first time in the nation's history that the electricity industry has undertaken such a massive-scale construction, overcoming significant challenges in terrain, weather, and time.
Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line has a total length of about 519 kilometres, passing through 211 communes and wards of 43 districts and towns in 9 provinces. (Photo: NHAN DAN)
Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line has a total length of about 519 kilometres, passing through 211 communes and wards of 43 districts and towns in 9 provinces. (Photo: NHAN DAN)

This miracle serves as a valuable lesson for future key infrastructure projects as Vietnam transitions into a new era of the nation’s rise, echoing the aspirations expressed by Party General Secretary To Lam.

Huge amount of work

The Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line project spans a total length of 519 kilometres, crossing nine provinces, with a total investment of 22.356 trillion VND. This is one of the largest-scale projects with a huge amount of work in the history of Vietnam's power sector.

Contractors faced enormous challenges related to terrain and weather conditions, coupled with the unprecedented requirement to complete the project within a record-breaking timeline of just six months—a feat unheard of for similar power projects.

The project meets the demand for electricity transmission through the 500kV system from central to northern regions,representing a remarkable leap in Vietnam’s project execution and management capabilities. Never before has the country witnessed such a complex project executed within a short timeframe while maintaining such high-quality standards.

The impressive numbers speak volumes about the scale of the project. It required the excavation and backfilling of 2.54 million cubic metres of soil and rock, the use of 705,000 cubic metres of concrete, 69,800 tonnes of foundation reinforcement steel, and the installation of 1,177 steel towers with a total weight of 139,000 tonnes. The entire project also involved the deployment of 13,983 kilometres of various conductors, lightning protection wires, and fibre optic cables across 513 tension spans, along with the installation of 16,840 insulator strings.

This is one of the largest-scale projects with a huge amount of work in the history of Vietnam's power sector. (Photo: THANH DAT)

This is one of the largest-scale projects with a huge amount of work in the history of Vietnam's power sector. (Photo: THANH DAT)

Spanning a length of 519 kilometres, the transmission line crosses many rugged mountainous areas previously deemed nearly impossible for such large-scale projects. What is truly remarkable is that all this work was accomplished under harsh weather conditions, from the scorching heat of the central region to the persistent rains in the northern provinces.

Each phase of the project posed a significant challenge, requiring precision and seamless coordination among thousands of engineers, workers, and specialists. To ensure timely completion, the construction teams worked tirelessly, day and night, with a determined spirit ready to overcome any obstacle.

The spirit of "overcoming the sun and rain”

Dang Hoang An Chairman of the Member Council of Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), stated that EVN assigned the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) as the investor of the 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line. The transmission project plays a particularly crucial role in enhancing the stability reserve on the north-central interface, supplementing power capacity from the North Central region to the northern region, and reducing the load on existing 500kV lines to meet the N-1 reliability criterion.

Under the decisive direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, along with the support and cooperation of ministries, sectors, local authorities, and the public, EVN and EVNNPT completed construction and energised the project within just over six months, meeting the assigned schedule.

Regarding investment preparation, in just under five months from the decision to implementation, the projects received the Prime Minister's approval for investment policy, adjustments to investment policy, and forest land-use conversion. This was a record-breaking timeframe, while similar-scale projects typically require 2–3 years.

In the contractor selection process, a total of 226 procurement packages were involved. EVNNPT, along with project management boards mobilised all specialisedhuman resources to conduct centralised bidding evaluations, working day and night without rest. As a result, the process was completed within approximately 60 days.

Engineers and workers in the power sector perform construction at great heights. (Photo: Tuan Huy)

Engineers and workers in the power sector perform construction at great heights. (Photo: Tuan Huy)

During the implementation process, the project encountered numerous difficulties and challenges, but thanks to the decisive leadership of the Prime Minister, the involvement of the entire political system, and the principles of "4 at the site", "3 shifts, 4 teams","overcoming the sun and rain", "only talking about action, not retreating", and "working through holidays, New Year, and rest days", the entire project was completed and inaugurated on August 29, 2024, after just over six months of construction.

Throughout the construction process, those involved in the project demonstrated strong will and the spirit of "overcoming the sun and rain". They faced natural challenges and had to meet high standards to ensure the project’s quality.

Images of engineers and workers suspended on high-voltage towers, enduring the scorching heat or relentless downpours, became symbols of tireless labour. This was a personal sacrifice and a commitment from the entire power sector to the country's sustainable development.

Achievements from unity and collective effort

The project's success is a clear testament to the strength of unity and cooperation among different agencies, sectors, and the community. From the close guidance of the Government and the Prime Minister to the support of local authorities and the consensus of the people, all have contributed to this remarkable achievement.

The project was implemented under the direct and determined leadership of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, with the spirit of "only talking about action, not retreating", and "overcoming sun and rain", which became the motto for all participants. From ministries and local governments to the workforce at the construction site, everyone was united and determined to complete the project for the benefit of the nation and the sustainable development of the country.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the construction team at the 500kV Thanh Hoa Substation in Thieu Phuc Commune, Thieu Hoa District. (Photo: VGP)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the construction team at the 500kV Thanh Hoa Substation in Thieu Phuc Commune, Thieu Hoa District. (Photo: VGP)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directly directed and issued numerous urgent orders and directives to resolve obstacles while conducting on-site inspections at construction sites. Through seamless coordination among ministries, sectors, local authorities, and contractors, land clearance was accelerated, ensuring land was handed over on schedule and facilitating the contractors' swift progress.

Land clearance, often a challenging issue in large-scale projects, was successfully addressed thanks to persistent efforts and the collaborative spirit of all involved parties. The households who offered their land and the officials who worked tirelessly to engage each family, all shared one goal: to complete the project on time, for the benefit of the entire country.

The drastic leadership and clear assignment of responsibilities helped accelerate the work progress and prevented delays. In particular, the active participation of local authorities with the principle of "4 at the site" maximised local resources, reducing both costs and implementation time.

Local authorities established steering committees to implement various tasks in the provinces where the transmission line passes through. Local governments organised numerous working groups to inspect and expedite the project’s progress. In response to emerging issues and situations, provincial leaders, including the Party Secretaries, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of People's Committees, were present on-site to address and resolve any challenges.

EVN/EVNNPT leaders also directly monitored and managed the construction sites to ensure progress and quality. Key officials from the corporation and the subsidiary companies stayed on-site, working alongside the construction teams, always ready to handle any issues in a timely manner.

Nguyen Tuan Tung, Chairman of EVNNPT’s MemberCouncil, shared that when EVNNPT was entrusted by the Prime Minister and EVN to invest in the Quang Trach-Phu Noi 500kV Circuit 3 transmission line project, the leadersand employees of the corporation were deeply concerned and worried because the project was large in scale and the timeline was extremely short. However, everyone displayed the highest level of determination and immediately began working. For the first time, a project truly mobilised all resources with the highest energy and spirit. Countless hours of hard work and sweat from thousands of officials and workers across the country have contributed to the project's success.

Opening a new era for the nation

Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line has a total length of about 519 kilometres, passing through 211 communes and wards of 43 districts and towns in 9 provinces. (Photo: KHANH AN)

Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line has a total length of about 519 kilometres, passing through 211 communes and wards of 43 districts and towns in 9 provinces. (Photo: KHANH AN)

The success of the Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line project is a significant milestone in the power sector and a valuable lesson in leadership and management. In a recent article on combating wastefulness,Party General Secretary To Lam stressed the need to summarise and replicate the experience of implementing the 500kV Circuit 3 transmission line project to shorten the execution time of key national public investment projects.

In his speech at the conference summarising the construction investment work for the 500kV Circuit 3 projects on December 8, 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also highlighted the project's crucial significance for national power security, ensuring no power shortages or outages, and meeting the country's development demand. The Government leader affirmed that nothing is impossible if there is determination, the courage to think and act, and the right approach.

General Director of EVNNPT Pham Le Phu, shared that the key lesson learned from completing the project was to uphold the spirit of "only talking about action, not retreating", always staying focused on the work and the construction site, maintaining high determination, continuously striving to accelerate progress, ensuring quality construction, and addressing any challenges that arose during implementation.

The 500kV circuit 3 transmission line project solves current energy challenges, laying the foundation for a stronger future. The national power transmission system has been reinforced, contributing to attracting investment, boosting economic development, and improving the people's quality of life.

The spirit of "only talking about action, not retreating" from the 500kV circuit 3 transmission line project has influenced the entire Party, people, and political system, becoming a slogan for action across various levels, sectors, and projects.

The lessons learned from this record-breaking project will be highly valuable for the implementation of key national projects in the future, especially as Vietnam enters a new era with major infrastructure projects like the North-South high-speed railway and the restart of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

In this new era, the achievement of the 500kV circuit 3 transmission line is a strong affirmation that the Vietnamese people not only master technology but also control their destiny. It symbolises the nation's will and ability to rise, ready to face and overcome challenges on the path to modernisation and international integration.

This project is a story of the power industry and a valuable lesson about the strength of unity, innovation, and determination to rise up for the entire nation. From today's achievement, a strong and prosperous Vietnam is gradually taking shape on the world map.