Delegates take part in project kick-off ceremony.

Delegates attend kick-off ceremony for national-level science and technology project.

Toward mastering core technology

The project “Research, Design and Manufacturing Technology for 500kV Shunt Reactor” marks the next step in EEMC’s roadmap to master extra-high-voltage equipment technology. The Ministry of Science and Technology has assigned EEMC to lead the project in collaboration with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The project has a total budget of VND 82.49 billion, including VND 22.25 billion in state funding. The objective is to master the relevant technology and manufacture a 500kV, 120MVAr shunt reactor meeting IEC 60076 requirements.

In a power system, a shunt reactor absorbs surplus reactive power generated by the distributed capacitance of long transmission lines, particularly when extra-high-voltage lines operate under light-load conditions. On the 500kV grid, the equipment helps mitigate excessive voltage rise, support system voltage stability, reduce losses, and improve transmission efficiency. These functions are directly linked to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the national power system.

At present, all 500kV shunt reactors used on Vietnam’s power grid are 100% imported. Complete dependence on overseas supply increases risks in the investment, operation, and maintenance of equipment on the national power system. As the 500kV grid continues to expand and transmission projects face increasingly demanding schedules, establishing domestic capabilities in design, manufacturing, and testing has become a strategic requirement.

Under the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII, around 12,944km of new transmission lines and 102,900MVA of 500kV substation capacity are expected to be built during the 2021–2030 period. The rapid development of long-distance transmission lines and renewable energy sources is increasing the need for reactive power compensation and voltage control, thereby driving growing demand for 500kV shunt reactors.

The project is not only aimed at developing a new scientific and technological product, but also has strategic significance in establishing domestic capabilities for designing, manufacturing, and testing 500kV reactors. Once the technology is mastered, EEMC will be able to contribute to reducing import costs and total investment costs for 500kV reactor projects; proactively securing replacement equipment and strengthening energy security; improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises; creating more jobs and enhancing the professional skills of engineers and workers; and affirming Vietnam’s technological self-reliance in the field of extra-high-voltage electrical engineering.

For EEMC, the project is also a concrete step toward realizing its development orientation of becoming a “Digital Enterprise – Green Manufacturing – Leading Electrical Equipment Supplier in the Region.” This direction is aligned with the spirit of Resolution No. 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, as well as Resolution No. 70 on ensuring national energy security.

EEMC General Director Nguyen Vu Cuong delivers opening remarks

“Make in Vietnam” products serving power sector’s development needs

The project “Research, Design and Manufacturing Technology for 500kV Shunt Reactor” originates from the practical needs of the national power system, clearly defines the central role of enterprises, and aims to achieve self-reliance in core technology.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh delivers remarks.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Tran Duc Thang emphasized that the project reflects cooperation among three key stakeholders - scientists, manufacturers, and the State - in technology research, testing, and transfer, in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 57 of the Politburo. He also expressed confidence that the combination of EEMC’s manufacturing capabilities and the research achievements of scientists would lead to the project’s success.

The 500kV shunt reactor is a highly demanding piece of equipment in terms of technical requirements and reliability. Its development requires close coordination between fundamental research, applied engineering, and industrial manufacturing, while Vietnam currently remains fully dependent on imported products. The Hanoi Party Committee Secretary expressed confidence that Vietnam would be able to develop “Make in Vietnam” products to serve the development needs of the power sector.

Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Tran Duc Thang delivers remarks.

Nguyen Dinh Phuoc, EVN Vice President and Chairman of EEMC’s Board of Directors, delivers response.

From now through 2030, EEMC will continue to focus on research, international cooperation, and science and technology projects aimed at successfully manufacturing electrical equipment that has not yet been produced domestically. The corporation is targeting revenue of more than VND 5 trillion, with exports accounting for 10–20% of total revenue. It also plans to expand exports to Australia, the Philippines, Laos, the Middle East, and the United States through sales channels tailored to the characteristics of each market.

Delegates tour production line at Dong Anh Electrical Equipment Corporation.

Translator: Thu Hường