Phu Tho Prepares Energy Infrastructure to Attract Investors

Phu Tho Province is coordinating closely with the National Power Transmission Corporation under Vietnam Electricity (EVNNPT) to quickly execute a series of major power transmission projects, developing energy infrastructure to accommodate electricity imports from Laos. This effort is a vital measure to ensure a stable supply for economic growth and investment attraction.

Working session between the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee and EVNNPT 

Three key projects strengthening energy security

Currently, Phu Tho’s transmission grid includes nine 220 kV and 500 kV substations with a total capacity of more than 6,000 MVA, connecting multiple 220-500 kV transmission lines in the region. While the system operates reliably, it is often at full load and sometimes overloaded, highlighting the urgent need for new projects to ensure safety and improve the reliability of electricity supply for the coming years.

Based on this, EVNNPT is implementing several projects in Phu Tho, with three identified as urgent and strategically important for capacity relief and electricity imports from Laos. These include the Hoa Binh 2 500 kV switching station and connecting lines, the Hoa Binh 2-Western Ha Noi 500 kV transmission line, and the Vung Ang-Hoa Binh 2 500 kV transmission line.

The Hoa Binh 2 500 kV switching station and its connecting lines will be constructed in Lac Luong, Yen Thuy, and Dai Dong communes in Phu Tho, featuring eight 500 kV feeder bays and associated transmission lines. Construction is scheduled to start in 2025, with operation expected in 2027. EVNNPT and the Central Vietnam Power Projects Management Board (CPMB) are currently finalizing site approvals, route alignment, and investment authorization procedures.

The Hoa Binh 2–Western Hanoi 500 kV transmission line will stretch approximately 80 kilometers, with over 47 kilometers in Phu Tho and the remainder in Hanoi. The project features two circuits and is scheduled to begin construction in 2026, with operations expected in 2027. EVNNPT and NPTPMB are actively completing all investment preparation work.

Meanwhile, the Vung Ang-Hoa Binh 2 500 kV transmission line stretches approximately 363 kilometers, passing through Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, and Phu Tho. In Phu Tho, the route crosses Dai Dong, Yen Thuy, and Lac Luong communes, covering about 11 kilometers. Construction is also scheduled to start in 2026, with completion in 2027.

Once completed, these projects will enhance national energy security, strengthen the connection between the North Central and Northwest regional grids, increase transmission capacity, reduce power losses, and lay the foundation for electricity imports from Laos under the bilateral agreement between the governments of Vietnam and Laos.

Local authorities take initiative to prepare energy infrastructure for investors

In a recent meeting with EVNNPT, Chairman of the Board Nguyen Tuan Tung urged Phu Tho Province to provide maximum support to quickly implement urgent power projects, particularly the Hoa Binh 2 500 kV switching station and connecting lines, with the goal of starting construction in December 2025.

EVNNPT also requested that the province direct relevant departments to assist in reviewing and providing feedback on project documents and to streamline investment approval procedures. Additionally, EVNNPT emphasized the need for early access to relevant planning information for project areas. Coordinated cooperation among all parties is considered essential to ensure timely construction and power commissioning.

Phu Tho authorities recognize the critical role of transmission projects in local socio-economic development. Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee Phung Thi Kim Nga emphasized that electricity infrastructure is a top priority for attracting investment. “In meetings with investors, the first issue they ask about is electricity infrastructure. When power supply is stable, Phu Tho will have a major advantage in attracting industrial and manufacturing projects,” she said.

With the goal of double-digit economic growth, electricity demand in the province is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Therefore, the province has designated these power projects as strategic, ensuring a stable supply for industrial and service sector development while contributing to national energy security.

The Provincial People’s Committee has assigned the Department of Industry and Trade as the central unit to consolidate progress, monitor weekly updates, and report to provincial leaders for timely guidance. Each relevant department and locality is required to set specific milestones and resolve obstacles promptly during the investment preparation process. The Department of Finance is tasked with coordinating with EVNNPT to review documents and advise the Provincial People’s Committee on issuing investment approval as quickly as possible.

Phu Tho has also instructed relevant units to work closely with EVNNPT to determine precise routes, avoiding adjustments during construction. Land area reviews are assigned to the communes for coordination, with the approval of the land acquisition list expected by October 2025 to ensure readiness for year-end construction.

The proactive approach of local authorities demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing energy infrastructure ahead of demand, laying the foundation for industrial and service sector development. Once the transmission projects are completed, Phu Tho will not only secure a stable power supply for production but also expand capacity to attract new investment, particularly in high-tech, energy-intensive industries.

Vice Chairwoman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee Phung Thi Kim Nga urges relevant authorities to accelerate energy infrastructure

Electricity infrastructure as the key to attracting sustainable investment

Aligned with its socio-economic development strategy, Phu Tho is rapidly shifting its economic structure toward industrialization and modernization. Completing the province’s transmission infrastructure early not only addresses local demand but also enhances its attractiveness to domestic and foreign investors.

The 500 kV projects being implemented by EVNNPT in the province are considered a critical link in the chain of electricity imports from Laos, supplying clean and stable energy to the northern region. At the same time, these projects lay the strategic groundwork for Phu Tho to become an energy hub for the midland and Northwest regions.

With strong coordination between EVNNPT and local authorities, and a determined effort to resolve challenges during the preparation phase, the transmission projects in Phu Tho are expected to begin construction on schedule. They will ensure a safe and stable power supply to support the province’s and the nation’s sustainable growth goals.

By Thanh Nam, Vietnam Business Forum