Lào Cai, March 17, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has directed Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and relevant units to expedite the construction of the 500kV Lào Cai – Vĩnh Yên transmission line project within six months, ensuring completion before August 31, 2025.
During the groundbreaking ceremony in Vĩnh Phúc Province on Sunday, PM Chính emphasized the project’s six key priorities: accelerated progress, enhanced quality, cost efficiency, improved safety and efficiency, strengthened social welfare, and better environmental protection.
The 500kV Lào Cai – Vĩnh Yên transmission line is a national strategic project, approved by the Prime Minister, with EVN serving as the investor and Power Project Management Board 1 as its representative. The double-circuit transmission line spans 229.5 km, featuring 468 transmission tower foundations and traversing four provinces: Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Phú Thọ, and Vĩnh Phúc. The total investment exceeds VNĐ1 7.41 trillion (US$290.4 million).
At the event, leaders of EVN, Power Project Management Board 1, design consulting firms, supervision consultants, and construction contractors pledged their commitment to the timely completion of the project. Once operational, the transmission line will facilitate the transfer of approximately 3,000 MW from hydropower plants in the northwest region to the national grid. It is expected to bolster electricity imports, strengthen interconnectivity, enhance national power system stability, reduce transmission losses, and improve EVN’s operational efficiency.
PM Chính commended the local authorities and communities of Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Phú Thọ, and Vĩnh Phúc for their cooperation in land clearance and site handover. He underscored the significance of 2025 as the final year of the 13th Party Central Committee’s term and highlighted the necessity for a substantial economic breakthrough to meet the socio-economic development goals set for 2021-2025. The Government aims for a GDP growth rate of at least 8% in 2025, forming the foundation for double-digit growth in subsequent years, ultimately steering Vietnam towards high-income developed nation status by 2045.
The Prime Minister stressed the indispensable role of energy supply in economic growth, noting that electricity demand typically grows at 1.5 times the economic growth rate. To facilitate rapid progress, he urged the elimination of unnecessary administrative procedures and emphasized that the groundbreaking of the 500kV Lào Cai – Vĩnh Yên transmission line was only the beginning. He called for the collective mobilization of resources from the political system, organizations, and local communities.
To ensure smooth execution, provincial party secretaries were instructed to oversee land clearance for tower foundations, route corridors, and construction sites, guaranteeing timely handovers by March 2025. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of resettlement efforts, ensuring that affected households receive adequate compensation and improved living conditions.
Throughout the project’s implementation, PM Chính directed all stakeholders, including investors and contractors, to strictly adhere to government directives, Party policies, and his specific instructions. Regular inspections and timely interventions were mandated to address construction challenges. He also called upon ministries, agencies, and local authorities to actively support EVN in resolving any arising issues.
Additionally, consulting, construction, and equipment supply contractors were urged to comply rigorously with contractual commitments and legal requirements to guarantee high-quality project completion within the stipulated timeline. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was tasked with assisting forest owners and related units in clearing trees along construction routes to facilitate timely site handover.
The successful execution of the 500kV Lào Cai – Vĩnh Yên transmission line project is expected to significantly contribute to Vietnam’s energy security, economic development, and long-term sustainability.
