The meeting was attended by Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, EVNNPT Deputy General Director, representatives of ADB, leaders of provincial departments and agencies, as well as representatives from EVNNPT's affiliated boards and units. The meeting was also connected online to several communes through which the projects will pass.

At the meeting, EVNNPT reported on the implementation progress of the Son La 1 500kV Substation and Connection Line Project. This is a key project that has received investment policy approval and investor acceptance decisions from the Son La Provincial People's Committee. The project will be constructed in Mai Son and Yen Chau communes, with a total investment cost of approximately VND 2.019 trillion.

The project aims to strengthen the interconnection of the power system, ensure the safe operation of the transmission grid, improve the reliability of electricity supply, and facilitate the evacuation of electricity generated by renewable energy plants in Son La Province. The project is expected to be completed and energized in 2027.

Regarding the Son La 1 - Son Tay 500kV Transmission Line Project, the transmission line will have a total length of approximately 167km, of which about 95 km will pass through Son La Province. The project will begin at the Son La 1 500kV Substation and end at the Son Tay 500kV Substation in Hanoi. The estimated total investment cost exceeds VND 8.97 trillion. The project is currently in the route alignment agreement stage and is undergoing procedures for investor approval.

Once completed, the project will help evacuate electricity generated by renewable energy plants in Son La and Dien Bien provinces, provide stable and reliable power transmission to the Son Tay 500kV Substation, improve voltage quality, reduce transmission losses, and enhance the interconnection and operational flexibility of the northern 500kV transmission grid. In addition, the project will strengthen power supply to 220kV substations, meet the growing electricity demand of Hanoi and surrounding areas, and contribute to socio-economic development across the region.

EVNNPT is currently working with ADB to conduct due diligence on both projects for consideration of ODA financing.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of Son La Provincial People's Committee, speaks at working session. Photo: Le Linh

At the meeting, ADB representatives presented the ODA financing mechanism and procedures applicable to power transmission projects, while highly appreciating the close cooperation between the Son La Provincial People's Committee and EVNNPT during the project preparation phase. The participants also discussed and clarified a number of issues relating to land-use planning, forestry planning, nature reserves, environmental protection requirements, social safeguards, community consultation, and the coordination mechanism between the local authorities and the project owner in accordance with ADB's appraisal standards.

ADB representatives encouraged all parties to continue their close coordination in finalizing the required documentation to ensure full compliance with the lender's requirements and Vietnamese regulations, thereby providing a solid basis for implementing the projects on schedule.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, reaffirmed the province's commitment to facilitating the timely implementation of key power transmission projects, contributing to national energy security and promoting local socio-economic development.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, EVNNPT Deputy General Director, affirmed EVNNPT's commitment to maintaining close cooperation with ADB and the province's relevant authorities to complete all required documentation and fully meet the technical, environmental, social, and legal requirements, thereby enabling the projects to be implemented as planned.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, EVNNPT Deputy General Director, speaks at working session. Photo: Le Linh

With the support of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, the assistance of ADB, and EVNNPT's strong commitment, all parties expressed confidence that the completion of project documentation, appraisal process, and ODA financing arrangements will proceed smoothly, paving the way for the projects to commence construction as scheduled.

These transmission projects are of strategic importance in implementing Vietnam's National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), enhancing the transmission capacity of the national power system, and meeting the socio-economic development needs of the Northwest region as well as the country as a whole.

Translator: Vân Ly