Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a groundbreaking ceremony and launched an emulation movement for the construction of the 500kV Lao Cai - Vinh Yen power transmission line during his working visit to Vinh Phuc province on March 16.

The 500kV Lao Cai - Vinh Yen transmission line is a key national project approved by the Prime Minister, with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) serving as the investor. The project spans 229.5 km across four provinces -Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc- with 468 transmission tower foundations. It connects the 500kV Lao Cai substation to the 500kV Vinh Yen substation.

With a total investment of over VND7.41 trillion, 80% of the funding is secured through loans arranged by Vietcombank, while EVN provides the remaining 20% in counterpart funding.

Once completed, the transmission line will be capable of delivering approximately 3,000 MW from hydropower plants in the northwestern region and neighboring provinces to the national grid, while also boosting electricity import capacity.

The project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, ensure the stable operation of the national power system, reduce transmission losses, and improve EVN’s business efficiency.

Beyond energy security, the project will play a vital role in supporting economic growth, national defence, and the country’s industrialization and modernization efforts.

Speaking at the event, PM Pham Minh Chinh underscored the importance of achieving a GDP growth rate of at least 8% in 2025 and sustaining double-digit growth in the coming years. He urged ministries, agencies, and localities to apply lessons learned from the Quang Binh - Hung Yen 500kV transmission line project in managing and implementing this and other major infrastructure initiatives.

Commending EVN’s efforts, the Government leader praised its ability to carry out major projects within a short timeframe, while overcoming challenges to meet the conditions for groundbreaking, especially in mobilizing financial resources. He also acknowledged the commitment of the four provinces -Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc- in expediting land clearance and compensation to facilitate construction.

Setting a firm deadline, PM Chinh mandated that construction be completed within six months, no later than August 31, 2025. He stressed that timely completion would not only support economic growth but also mark a significant milestone in celebrating major national events in 2025, including preparations for the 14th National Party Congress.

Efforts exerted to complete transmission line carrying electricity from Laos

Efforts have been made to finish the 220kV Nam Sum – Nong Cong transmission line project in October to facilitate electricity imports from Laos to Vietnam to meet the rising demand in northern provinces.