The meeting was attended by Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, Deputy General Director of EVNNPT, representatives of ADB, leaders of provincial departments and agencies, as well as representatives from EVNNPT's affiliated units. The meeting was also connected online to several communes through which the projects will pass.
Mr. Keiju Mitsuhashi, representative of the ADB mission, speaks at the working session.
During the meeting, EVNNPT updated participants on the implementation progress of the Son La 1 500kV Substation and Connection Lines Project. This key project has already received investment policy approval and investor approval from the Son La Provincial People's Committee. The project will be developed in Mai Son and Yen Chau communes with a total investment of approximately VND 2.019 trillion.
The project aims to strengthen power system interconnection, ensure the safe operation of the transmission grid, enhance power supply reliability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy generation in Son La Province. The project is expected to be completed and energized in 2027.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, addresses the meeting.
Regarding the Son La 1 – Son Tay 500kV Transmission Line Project, the transmission line will extend approximately 167 km, of which about 95 km will pass through Son La Province. The line will originate from the Son La 1 500kV Substation and terminate at the Son Tay 500kV Substation in Hanoi.
The project has an estimated total investment of more than VND 8.97 trillion and is currently undergoing route alignment consultations and investor approval procedures.
Once completed, the project will help evacuate renewable energy capacity from Son La and Dien Bien provinces, ensure 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 Vietnam 500kV transmission network. In addition, it will strengthen power supply for 220kV substations, meet the growing electricity demand of Hanoi and neighboring areas, and contribute to regional socio-economic development.
EVNNPT is currently coordinating with ADB on the appraisal of both projects for potential financing through Official Development Assistance (ODA).
During the meeting, ADB representatives introduced the bank's ODA financing mechanisms and appraisal procedures for power transmission projects, while expressing appreciation for the close cooperation between the Son La Provincial People's Committee and EVNNPT throughout the project preparation process.
The participants also discussed a wide range of issues, including land-use planning, forestry planning, protected areas, environmental protection requirements, social safeguards, community consultation, and coordination mechanisms between the local authorities and the project owner in accordance with ADB's appraisal standards.
ADB representatives encouraged all parties to continue working closely together to finalize the project documentation, ensuring full compliance with both the lender's requirements and Vietnamese regulations, thereby creating favorable conditions for implementing the projects on schedule.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, Deputy General Director of EVNNPT, speaks at the working session.
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 these strategic transmission projects, which will contribute to ensuring national energy security and promoting local socio-economic development.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, Deputy General Director of EVNNPT, expressed his sincere appreciation for the close attention and direction provided by the Son La Provincial People's Committee, as well as the active cooperation of provincial departments, agencies, and local authorities. He reaffirmed EVNNPT's commitment to continuing close coordination with ADB and provincial authorities to finalize all project documentation and fully satisfy technical, environmental, social, and legal requirements, enabling the projects to proceed as planned.
The Son La Provincial People's Committee commits to working alongside EVNNPT and ADB to ensure the timely implementation of the two projects.
The meeting also reached agreement on several important coordination mechanisms among the Son La Provincial People's Committee, EVNNPT, and ADB during the investment preparation phase, particularly in relation to planning reviews, site clearance, environmental protection, stakeholder consultation, and the completion of documentation required by the international lender. These agreements will provide an important foundation for ADB to continue its appraisal process while accelerating the implementation of these strategic 500kV transmission projects, supporting the sustainable development of Vietnam's national power system and strengthening energy security in the years ahead.
With the strong support of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, the financial and technical assistance of ADB, and EVNNPT's determination, all parties expect the completion of project documentation, appraisal, and ODA financing arrangements to proceed smoothly, paving the way for the projects to commence construction as scheduled. These transmission projects will play a significant role in implementing Vietnam's National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), enhancing the transmission capacity of the national power grid, and meeting the socio-economic development needs of the Northwest region as well as the country as a whole.