04 power generation projects required to conduct technical safety assessment in Vietnam

04 power generation projects required to conduct technical safety assessment in Vietnam​ (Image from the internet)

The Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam promulgates Circular 02/2025/TT-BCT dated February 1, 2025, stipulating the protection of electric power works and safety in the electricity sector.

04 power generation projects required to conduct technical safety assessment in Vietnam

Article 6 Circular 02/2025/TT-BCT stipulates the power generation projects required to conduct technical safety assessment in Vietnam:

(1) Thermal power plants;

(2) Wind power projects;

(3) Offshore wind power projects;

(4) Solar power projects (excluding rooftop solar projects; self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar projects).

The cycle for conducting technical safety assessments for power generation projects in Vietnam

- Initial technical safety assessment:

- For power generation projects that have commenced operation: Complete the initial assessment within a maximum of 03 years from the effective date of Circular 02/2025/TT-BCT.

- For power generation projects not yet in official operation: Conduct the initial technical safety assessment within 05 years from the official operation commencement date as prescribed by law.

- For the subsequent technical safety assessments, power generation projects must be assessed on a periodic basis of once every 05 years.

(Article 7 Circular 02/2025/TT-BCT)

Regulations on the content of technical safety assessments for power generation projects in Vietnam

(1) The technical safety assessment of power generation projects is conducted through direct inspections and assessments by the owner or operating management unit in combination with the inspection results from certified inspection organizations, including the following contents:

- Assess the safety level of electrical equipment and tools that must be inspected (according to the latest periodic inspection results and visual checks).

- Assess the safety level of equipment and machinery subject to strict safety requirements according to occupational safety and hygiene laws (based on the latest periodic inspection results, visual checks, and other machinery equipment checks if available).

- Assess the maintenance, repair of equipment, and safety of the project/component during exploitation and use.

- Evaluate the causes of incidents during the inspection period based on maintenance records, incident handling and remediation in the reporting period; current condition of the project and other incident causes (if any).

- Assess risks, potential safety hazards, incidents during the operation of power generation projects, and the emergency response plan for incidents.

(2) Handling of inspection and assessment results

- If abnormalities, damages, or defects with potential safety risks are detected, reinforcement, repair, or replacement (if necessary) must be carried out to ensure safety during operation and use. In case immediate reinforcement, repair, or remediation is not feasible due to practical conditions, appropriate warning measures or a handling plan and roadmap must be drawn up.

- For potential safety risk factors outside the project area, the owner or operating management unit should immediately notify the district-level and provincial-level People's Committees.

- If necessary or upon request by competent authorities, the agency receiving the technical safety assessment report of power generation projects shall check the results according to electricity laws and other relevant legislation.

(Article 8 Circular 02/2025/TT-BCT)

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