Technology Lifts Power Output

Workers assemble a transformer at Son La Electricity Company in northern Son La Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Ngoc Ha

HCM CITY — The application of science and technology in the areas of power generation, transmission and maintenance is a key factor in ensuring sustainable growth in Viet Nam's power sector, according to the president of the Viet Nam Electricity Engineering Association, Dang Hung.

Speaking at a two day national conference on power, science and technology starting in HCM City yesterday, he noted that improved technologies are expected to help modernise power generation and stabilise the electrical grid by reducing power losses during dispatch and distribution to less than nine per cent by 2015.

The country's major power supplier, Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN), also mapped out a strategy for its power technology development in the next three years.

Under the strategy, EVN will focus on applying new technologies to the areas of coal combustion and the use of liquefied gases in power plants.

The supplier has also targeted more efficient electrical management and monitoring, an improvement in safety at hydropower plant dams, increased environmental observation and mitigation as a response to the impact of the magnetic field on electrical grids.

The group is also prioritising a boost in the production of domestic electrical equipment. By 2020, it aims to produce equipment that can serve lines up to 220kV and turbines for small and medium-sized power plants.

Head of EVN's Science, Technology and Environment Department Phan Thi Thuy Tien said that since 1996, the group has invested VND45 billion (US$2.1 million) to carry out about 500 scientific studies.

These then helped to boost production, ensure generation compatibility, stabilise transmission and distribution, take advantage of available resources and minimise impacts to the environment, she said.

Meanwhile, participants at the conference were urged to raise the domestic production of electrical equipment and maintenance.

Vice director of PetroVietnam's Power Service Joint Stocks Company, Ma Ngoc Ky, said that the use of locally-made equipment could help reduce costs, save time and take advantage of available human resources when maintenance is required.

At present, support from foreign experts allows the company to deal with maintenance work at power plants including Ca Mau 1 and 2. At Nhon Trach 1 Thermal Power Plant, his company has been able to master the technology used and deal with regular maintenance.

Ky also said that during the development and application of technology in the power sector, human resources and experience sharing among national and international agencies is crucial. — VNS