The objective of the conference is to discuss, consult the managers, experts on mid-term report to complete, carry out the necessary research on technical, economic, financial, social, environment aspect for the interconnection and enhancement of Vietnam 500kV transmission grid to serve the energy exchange between Vietnam – Laos in the coming years. The project was divided into two periods: Period 1: Preliminarily evaluate the industrial and power development in Laos; electric grid links in Laos and development plans of the power plants in the south of Laos; Overview of selected options for the set-up of transmission lines on the side of Laos. Period 2: Prepare feasibility study (FS) for 500kV Pleiku – Bansok Transmission Line including: Overview of the power development of the two countries; assess impacts on the environment and social; research on the transmission grid system and transmission tarif; orientation for substation design, transmission line (T/L) design, T/L survey and technical standards setting for substation/T/L; arrangement for the maintenance of T/L, the legal issues; project implementation plan and financial, economic analysis.
Until now, foreign consultant in collaboration with Viet Nam and Laos have hold the meetings for early-term report on March 18, 2009 in Laos and mid-term report on January 25, 2011 in Hanoi – Vietnam. It is expected that late in 2011 the final assessment report will be held in Vientiane – Laos. In these conference, the consultant EDF will focuse on analyzing the specific issues related to environment & society, framework policy for compensation and resettlement, design of T/L, location of substation in both countries, the standard analysis of finance, economy..., designs of lines grid, and design of station placement in Vietnam. The report proposed 04 assumption locations for the substation such as: Expanding 500kV Pleiku substation with overhead line; Expanding the 500kV Pleiku substation with underground cable; Constructing new 500kV Duc Co substation; Constructing new 500kV Kon Tum substation; and plans for interconnection system between Laos and Vietnam as a basis for calculation. In addition, the report also proposed three assumtions for the legal issues in operating and managing the T/L such as establishing the joint venture EDF/NPT; or NPT or EDL in charge. This conference completed essentially the discussion, and consultation with managers, experts to complete and submit to the relevant authorities for consideration and approval then the 500 kV transmission line connecting two countries Vietnam - Laos soon to be deployed.