Gia Luong – Binh Dinh Project Strengthens Northern Vietnam’s Transmission Network
CTC Global is pleased to report the successful deployment of ACCC® Copenhagen Conductor for the Gia Luong – Binh Dinh 110 kV reconductoring project in Bac Ninh Province in northern Vietnam. Undertaken for Northern Power Corporation, the project represents another important application of advanced conductor technology in Vietnam, where utilities continue to strengthen existing transmission infrastructure to support growing electricity demand, improve system performance, and make better use of existing transmission corridors.
The project is located in the relatively flat, low-lying landscape of northern Vietnam, an area shaped by agriculture, rivers, ponds and an extensive network of local roads and communities. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with substantial seasonal rainfall, and engineering studies associated with the line have documented shallow groundwater and periodic high-water conditions. These characteristics help put the project’s field conditions into perspective: while the terrain is generally flat, wet ground and seasonal rainfall can make access, equipment movement and installation logistics considerably more challenging.
Reconductoring Existing Infrastructure with ACCC Copenhagen
The Gia Luong – Binh Dinh project consists of two 110 kV circuits extending approximately 6.3 kilometers. The line utilizes steel lattice towers with an average span length of approximately 250 meters and crosses existing distribution lines, roads and ponds. Rather than constructing an entirely new transmission corridor, the project involved reconductoring the existing line with ACCC Copenhagen Conductor, enabling Northern Power Corporation to upgrade an established transmission asset while continuing to make productive use of the existing corridor and structures.
Approximately 39 kilometers of ACCC Copenhagen Conductor were supplied for the project. The conductor was manufactured by PT KMI Wire and Cable Tbk in Indonesia, one of CTC Global’s authorized ACCC manufacturing partners in the region. The line uses a single conductor per phase on each of its two circuits.
ACCC Conductor’s lightweight, high-strength composite core and high aluminum content are designed to provide increased electrical capacity, reduced line losses and substantially reduced thermal sag compared with conventional conductors of similar diameter and weight. These characteristics can be particularly valuable for reconductoring projects where utilities seek to increase the capability of existing transmission corridors while minimizing the need for extensive structural modifications.
Regional Cooperation and Installation Expertise
Engineering and installation for the Gia Luong – Binh Dinh project were performed by CAPITAL ENERGY., JSC. Installation hardware included PLP China Version 2 dead-end assemblies, with installation activities supported primarily by Chinese-manufactured equipment.
CTC Global’s field support was represented by Master Installer Nguyen Van Truong of VTD. Experienced installation personnel and trained Master Installers play an important role in helping ensure that ACCC Conductor and its associated hardware are handled and installed in accordance with established procedures and best practices. This becomes particularly important on projects where wet ground conditions, existing infrastructure crossings and active transmission corridors add another layer of complexity to field operations.
The project also demonstrates the increasingly regional nature of transmission-grid modernization. ACCC technology developed and supported by CTC Global was manufactured into finished conductor by PT KMI Wire and Cable Tbk in Indonesia, installed in Vietnam by CAPITAL ENERGY., JSC, supported by VTD and utilized with hardware supplied by PLP China. This combination of regional manufacturing, engineering, hardware and installation expertise helps utilities deploy proven advanced conductor technology using an increasingly mature supply chain.
Building on ACCC Experience in Vietnam
The Gia Luong – Binh Dinh project adds to a growing portfolio of ACCC installations in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia. As electricity demand continues to increase and utilities work to strengthen existing networks, reconductoring can provide an important option for increasing the capability of existing transmission corridors without necessarily requiring entirely new lines and rights-of-way.
CTC Global greatly appreciates Northern Power Corporation’s continued commitment to strengthening Vietnam’s electric grid and thanks CAPITAL ENERGY., JSC, PT KMI Wire and Cable Tbk, PLP China, VTD, Master Installer Nguyen Van Truong, and everyone involved in helping bring the Gia Luong – Binh Dinh project to completion.
Projects such as Gia Luong – Binh Dinh demonstrate how utilities can combine existing infrastructure with advanced conductor technology, experienced regional partners and proven installation practices to help build a stronger and more capable transmission grid.
