The Con Dao special administrative-economic zone power project, with a total investment of 4,923 billion VND, led by Vietnam Electricity (EVN), officially went into operation yesterday, bringing the national grid to the island for the first time.

Installation of the undersea cable bringing power to Con Dao. Photo: Viet Ha

Installation of the undersea cable bringing power to Con Dao. Photo: Viet Ha

The power line spans over 100 km, consisting of a 17.5 km overhead line with 32 towers in Can Tho, a 77.7 km undersea cable from the mainland to the island, and an 8.5 km underground cable on the island. The project also included the expansion of the 220 kV transformer station in Vinh Chau ward (Can Tho) and the construction of a new 110 kV transformer station in Con Dao.

According to EVN, this is the most complex offshore power project to date, with all survey, design, and supervision stages undertaken by domestic entities for the first time. Vietnamese contractors excavated trenches, laid the undersea cable, and utilized record-length 61 m concrete piles for the offshore power line. The cable is buried at a depth of up to 52 m, the deepest in Vietnam, making it Southeast Asia's longest 110 kV undersea cable.

Tran Ngoc Dung, project manager of Power Project Management Board 3, stated that since 3/2025, hundreds of engineers and workers have been mobilized, working tirelessly day and night.

"Every meter of cable laid represents not only a technical advancement but also a profound social significance. Therefore, despite storms and challenging weather, everyone is determined to complete the project on schedule," Dung said.

Construction of tower 32 off the coast of Can Tho, the starting point of the undersea cable to Con Dao.

Photo: Thanh Trung

Unpredictable weather presented the greatest obstacle. Nguyen Duy Trung, commander of construction package 1 (PC1 Group Joint Stock Company), shared that each offshore trip was a confrontation with strong winds and high waves. To stay on schedule, the unit mobilized additional barges, tugboats, and self-propelled vessels, taking advantage of every calm moment to transport materials and equipment.

A floating platform was also constructed at sea for storing materials and equipment, enabling continuous construction regardless of weather conditions.

For package 4, Phu Xuan Company was responsible for the offshore power towers. Mai Xuan Hung, deputy general director of the company, stated that workers had to live on-site, working in shifts day and night. "There were times we worked continuously in three shifts, four crews. By mid-July, all items in the package were completed on schedule," he said.

According to EVN, the project will provide a stable, long-term power supply for Con Dao, replacing the costly and polluting diesel generators. Each year, the use of diesel generators resulted in losses of approximately 100 billion VND for the power sector, while the island's demand increased by 20-30% annually. The project is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Vietnam's commitment to sustainable development.

With its operation, the project will supply Con Dao with a total capacity of approximately 29 MW this year (almost three times the previous capacity of 13 MW), over 55 MW in 2026, and 90 MW by 2035.

Related units inspect the landing area of the undersea cable in Con Dao.

Photo: Huyen Tran

Previously, all 16 islands of Con Dao, with a population of over 13,000, relied solely on 9 diesel generators. These generators had to run for 17-18 hours a day, constantly overloaded. In 5/2016, when two main generators failed simultaneously, the island experienced rolling blackouts for over a month. At the end of 2023, three more generators malfunctioned, reducing capacity by 4 MW, and disrupting many businesses.

Nguyen Thi Tinh, owner of a 24-room hotel on Tran Phu Street, expressed her excitement: "For years, we worried about sudden power outages. Now, with the national grid, we can confidently develop tourism services and better serve our guests."

Le Anh Tu, Secretary of the Con Dao District Party Committee, assessed that bringing electricity to the island is a prerequisite for local breakthroughs and attracting investment, especially in ecotourism and high-end resorts. "The light from the grid not only brings convenience but also instills confidence in residents to stay and build their homeland on the frontline of the nation," he said.

According to Tu, a stable power source will improve the quality of life, from healthcare and education to essential services. At the same time, the project demonstrates the capability of Vietnam's power sector to implement large-scale projects with modern technology under challenging offshore conditions.

An Binh - Truong Ha