State utility EVN seeks to operate $2.1 bln LNG-fired power plant in central Vietnam from 2028

State utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) aims to operate the $2.1 billion Quang Trach II LNG-fired power plant in the central province of Quang Binh from 2028.

According to a recent project report, EVN strives to operate the first turbine of 750 MW from December 2028, and the second turbine of 750 MW from March 2029.

The power factory will utilize combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology, with a high efficiency of 51-64% of the heat generation.

The power plant aims to serve the northern region and nearby areas, while reducing carbon emissions versus the output of coal-fired power.

EVN aims to complete all preparations for the project, including pre-feasibility study and feasibility study by May 2025. Then it plans to conduct “design, procurement, and construction” task for the first turbine in March 2026-September 2028, and for the second turbine in April 2026-November 2028.

The first and second turbines can enter trial operation in September-December 2028 and November 2028-February 2029, respectively, or three months each.

With a maximum capacity (Tmax) of 6,000 hours a year, the power plant is set to generate nine billion kWh a year for the system.

Initially, Quang Trach II is a 1,200 MW coal-fired power plant with an investment of VND48,156 billion ($1.95 billion), according to the government's in-principle approval document issued in 2021.

After the national power development plan VIII (PDP VIII) was issued in May 2023, EVN proposed converting the project into an LNG-fired power plant.

In September 2024, EVN received an in-principle approval for the LNG-fired Quang Trach II thermal power project.