On 6/7, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Power Project Management Board 1 successfully installed the rotor for unit 1 of the Hoa Binh hydropower plant expansion project. The 585-ton rotor is the rotating part of the generator. Installing this equipment is a crucial step in the unit's assembly process.
According to Pham Hong Phuong, EVN's deputy general director, after successfully installing the rotor, the contractor will carry out the next phases, including electromechanical installation, testing, and operation of the unit.
"Unit 1 is expected to connect to the national grid around august 19, as directed by the prime minister," Phuong said.
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The rotor of Hoa Binh hydropower expansion's unit 1 being prepared for installation on 6/7. Photo: EVN |
The rotor of Hoa Binh hydropower expansion's unit 1 being prepared for installation on 6/7. Photo: EVN
Currently, the project's construction is about 90% complete. According to the EVN deputy general director, after the rotor of unit 1 is installed, contractors will continue to install the rotor for unit 2. Unit 2 is expected to be connected to the grid in late November or early December.
The Hoa Binh hydropower plant expansion project includes two units with a total installed capacity of 480 MW and a total investment of 9,220 billion VND. This is a nationally important project, approved by the prime minister in 2018. EVN is the project investor.
The project commenced in 1/2021 and was initially scheduled for completion by the end of last year. However, two storms in 10/2021, combined with monsoon rains, caused landslides at the project's foundation pit and auxiliary tunnel excavation site. This incident forced EVN and the contractors to halt construction for 11 months to review, assess, and rectify the issue.
The EVN deputy general director said the project was allowed to resume construction in 10/2022. They have accelerated the progress to meet the scheduled milestones.
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Pham Hong Phuong, EVN's deputy general director, speaking to the press on 6/7. Photo: Phuong Dung |
Pham Hong Phuong, EVN's deputy general director, speaking to the press on 6/7. Photo: Phuong Dung
Furthermore, according to Phuong, the project is being implemented on the existing Hoa Binh hydropower plant – a critical component of the national power system – so construction activities must be carefully calculated and controlled. This ensures absolute safety for the current plant while minimizing vibrations and environmental impact.
When operational, the Hoa Binh hydropower plant expansion is designed to add nearly 500 million kWh to the power system annually, increasing power supply capacity for northern Vietnam. The project also maximizes the use of excess water discharged during the flood season from the existing plant to generate electricity, reducing the load on the older units.
Phuong Dung
