Power Transmission Company 2 Ensures Stable Electricity Supply During Peak Heat Wave of 2026
In the context of prolonged and intense heat waves across Central Vietnam, Power Transmission Company 2 (PTC2) has demonstrated its pivotal role in ensuring stable and safe electricity supply. With the responsibility of managing and operating the transmission power grid in the Central region from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, PTC2 has proactively implemented comprehensive solutions to enhance the reliability of the system's operation.
The Challenge of an Unprecedented Heat Wave
2026 has been recorded as one of the hottest years in the history of Central Vietnam, with temperatures continuously maintained at high levels of 37-40°C for many consecutive days. This situation not only affects the daily lives of residents but also poses significant challenges to the power system, particularly high-voltage transmission lines.
According to reports from the National Power System Dispatching Center, electricity demand in the Central region surged dramatically during this period, increasing by approximately 15-20% compared to the same period in previous years. This placed substantial pressure on ensuring the safe operation of the transmission power grid.
The Strategic Role of PTC2 in the National Power System
PTC2, under Vietnam Electricity Transmission Corporation (EVN), is responsible for managing and operating approximately 2,500km of transmission lines with voltages ranging from 110kV to 500kV. Among these, 500km of 500kV lines play a crucial role in transmitting electricity from the Central region to the North.
Mr. Nguyen Duy Dung, Deputy Director of PTC2, emphasized: "Given our unique geographical position, the Central region not only supplies electricity to local areas but also serves as a vital connection in the North-South power transmission axis. Therefore, ensuring stable grid operation under extreme weather conditions is both an urgent task and holds strategic significance."
Comprehensive Solutions Implemented
To address the challenges posed by the extreme heat, PTC2 has implemented a series of comprehensive solutions, covering preparation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
1. Preparations Before the Hot Season
- Completed regular maintenance and repair of all equipment on the power grid, focusing on substations and transmission lines passing through severely affected hot zones
- Developed special operation plans for the 500kV North-South lines under high-temperature conditions
- Prepared necessary backup materials and equipment at key locations
- Enhanced training for operational staff on troubleshooting skills in extreme weather conditions
2. Enhanced Monitoring and Inspection
PTC2 has implemented a real-time temperature monitoring system on key transmission lines and equipment. This system enables early detection of potential hotspots, allowing for timely intervention measures.
Mr. Nguyen Duy Dung stated: "We have installed an additional 200 automatic temperature monitoring stations on 220kV and 500kV transmission lines. This data is transmitted to the 24/7 Operation Monitoring Center for continuous monitoring."
3. 24/7 Emergency Response Teams
During the peak heat period, PTC2 established emergency response teams with 100% of personnel on standby, ready to deploy to incident sites within 30 minutes of any occurrence.
These teams are fully equipped with necessary vehicles, equipment, and materials to quickly address issues such as overloaded lines, hot substations, or other problems arising from extreme weather conditions.
Results Achieved and Their Significance
Thanks to these comprehensive solutions, PTC2 has maintained safe operation of the power grid throughout the prolonged heat wave. Specifically:
| Indicator | Achievement | Comparison with Same Period |
|---|---|---|
| Average troubleshooting time | 45 minutes | Decrease of 30% |
| Number of unplanned power outages | 0 incidents | Decrease of 100% |
| Grid demand satisfaction rate | 99.8% | Increase of 0.5% |
| Average annual power outage hours | 0.17 hours/year | Decrease of 40% |
PTC2's efforts not only ensured safe electricity supply for the Central region from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai but also helped maintain the 500kV North-South axis for power transmission to the North during the peak heat period.
Economic and Social Significance
Ensuring stable electricity supply under extreme heat conditions has significantly contributed to the production and business operations of enterprises, particularly energy-intensive industries such as manufacturing and processing. Simultaneously, stable electricity supply has also ensured that people's lives are not affected, especially regarding the use of cooling devices.
Future Vision and Plans
In the context of increasingly complex climate change, PTC2 is developing long-term plans to enhance the adaptability and resilience of the power system against extreme weather conditions.
According to the plan, by 2028, PTC2 will complete the digitalization of the entire operation monitoring system, applying AI technology in forecasting and preventing faults. At the same time, the company will invest in upgrading and replacing old equipment to enhance heat resistance.
Application of New Technologies
PTC2 is researching the application of drone technology for periodic inspection of transmission lines, particularly sections passing through difficult terrain or severely affected hot zones. This technology reduces inspection time and increases accuracy in detecting potential issues.
Additionally, the company is testing a smart system for forecasting load and equipment temperature, which helps proactively adjust system operation before faults occur.
Conclusion
Power Transmission Company 2 has demonstrated its capability and responsibility in ensuring the safe operation of the power grid under extreme weather conditions. The relentless efforts of PTC2 not only contribute to the stability of the national power system but also reflect the company's commitment to the sustainable development of Vietnam's electricity sector.
In the context of increasingly complex climate change, the solutions that PTC2 has and is implementing will serve as valuable lessons for other units in the electricity sector in adapting and building resilience against environmental challenges.