PM launches 1,200 MW thermopower plant in northern Vietnam

The 1,200-megawatt Thai Binh 2 plant, one of northern Vietnam’s largest coal-fired power projects, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday.

The VND41.8 trillion ($1.68 billion) plant is a key part of the Thai Binh thermal power center in Thai Binh province.

State-run Petrovietnam, the project investor, started work on the plant in 2011 and could not finish until now, largely because of violations that had been brought to light. Work has resumed since August 2018.

Petrovietnam CEO Le Manh Hung told the launch ceremony that thanks to the government’s intervention and instruction, two generators at the plant have completed their trial test, already supplying more than one billion kWh to the national grid.

PM Chinh told the event that energy security is one of the country’s top priorities. “By the end of 2022, Vietnam’s total installed capacity reached around 77,800 MW, basically ensuring energy for business activities and consumption purposes,” he said.

The plant inauguration marks the maturity of Petrovietnam and Vietnamese contractors, the PM said while applauding provincial leadership.

Petrovietnam Construction JSC is the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the project with a $1.2 billion contract.

The finished power plant will annually supply about 7.2 billion kWh to the national power grid. It provides direct and indirect jobs for more than 400 local workers.