Contributing large capacity of power to Cambodia
The Chau Doc-Ta Keo 220kV transmission line, which consists of two circuits of nearly 77km long, is connected from Chau Doc 220kV substation (An Giang province) to the Ta Keo 220kV substation in Cambodia. This is a transmission line from Vietnam to Cambodia with a maximum capacity of 200MW. The entire line in the territory of Vietnam is 26.46km long with 84 power poles.
Mr. Vo Dinh Thuy - Director of PTC4 said: “In the first years when the line was newly put into operation, Vietnam has contributed about 50% of power output to Cambodia's total capacity. In recent years, power output from Vietnam has gradually decreased, accounting for only 12% of Cambodia's commercial power output (Cambodia's current power output is 9.09 billion kWh/year). Ensuring the safe and continuous power supply has played an important role, helping Cambodia develop the economy, stabilize socio-politics and ensure the daily life of its people."
Over the past 10 years, PTC4 has always paid special attention to the cooperation with and support of colleagues from Cambodia. Accordingly, the unit has regularly supported, transferred technology, guided electrical workers of this country to maintain, repair, experiment and calibrate high-voltage equipment, replace spare parts, etc. From 2009 to now, the two units have regularly organized training courses and exchanged experiences on power transmission line operation, contributing to improving the skill levels of workers.
PTC4 workers check the operation of the power line
Continuing to effectively operate the line
After 10 years of operation, PTC4 has twice overhauled the line in the territory of Vietnam, replaced the unsecured conductor from pole 45 to pole 65 in 2017 and 2019, replaced insulators on the entire line with Composite insulation (84 poles x 2 circuits). According to Mr. Vo Dinh Thuy - Director of PTC4, because of high poles and complex terrains where the line runs through, the operation still faces many difficulties.
The two sides have regularly coordinated and strengthened periodic inspection of equipment at 2 feeders supplying power for Cambodia, effectively coordinated in the periodic power outage for maintaining, repairing the lines and feeders at the ends of Chau Doc 220kV and Ta Keo 220kV substations; periodically measure temperature of joint splices on the line; regularly measure and monitor the distance from the phase line to the water surface in the flooding season, etc. Every year, the two units also hold briefings, meetings to discuss, exchange experience in operating the power transmission lines, announce the situation of developing power grid and loads related to the adjacent areas of Chau Doc - Ta Keo line, and so on.
Over 10 years of operation, having overcome many difficulties and challenges, the and Chau Doc - Ta Keo 220kV line and power poles still operate stably and ensure the function of power transmission. The close and cooperative sentiment has helped units overcome many difficulties and challenges to safely and effectively operate the power transmission lines; contributing to enhancing the friendly relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia.