Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant: Localization is a mandatory requirement

In the context of the electricity industry's efforts to ensure energy security in parallel with the increasing demand for technological modernization and localization in the construction of key projects, the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant project is considered one of the important highlights of the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN). To clarify the progress, role and outstanding results of the project implementation process, a reporter from the Industry and Trade Newspaper had an interview with Mr. Do Thanh Tai, Director of the Power Project Management Board 2 (EVNPMB2).

Accelerate to the finish line

- The date of December 19, 2025 is the time set by the Prime Minister to put the project into operation, which is of great significance for the national key project. So how is the preparation progress, especially the project's phase 2 kick-off, currently being implemented? In addition, in the process of implementing the projects, how do you evaluate the capacity and skills of Vietnamese contractors in the context of integration?

Mr. Do Thanh Tai: During the implementation process, there were many difficulties such as weather, equipment and materials. The most important lesson is the close coordination between EVNPMB2, consultants and contractors to immediately resolve problems at the site. Disbursement must be done promptly so that contractors have resources to implement. Arranging adequate human resources, machinery and increasing 3 continuous shifts is a decisive factor to ensure the progress of power generation in 2025.

*The Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant project has now achieved more than 20 million safe working hours, with no environmental incidents. Photo: EVN*

*Engineers check operating parameters at the control center of the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant project. Photo: Thanh Tuan*

For the Quang Trach II LNG project, EVNPMB2 is evaluating the bidding documents of participating units. The goal is to start the Quang Trach II LNG project in 2025.

In the recent past, most of the mechanical construction volume at Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant was carried out by Vietnamese units. The entire boiler structure, turbine structure, tank system, cooling water pipes and mechanical installation items were all undertaken by domestic enterprises. Units such as Lilama 10 Joint Stock Company, Lilama 18 Joint Stock Company regularly operate in this field and deeply participate in the project. In particular, the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant project has the participation of Construction Corporation No. 1 (CC1) as a member of the general contractor consortium in charge of the construction part. This is a rare consortium with a Vietnamese enterprise participating in this role in large-scale thermal power projects.

- In the role of Vietnamese contractors, how is the localization rate at Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant assessed?

Mr. Do Thanh Tai: In current power projects, the localization requirement is set at a high level and has become a mandatory criterion in the selection and construction process. For items that Vietnamese enterprises are capable of performing, the general contractor must prioritize the use of domestic forces, from steel structures, mechanical installation to tasks requiring precise techniques.

*Mr. Do Thanh Tai, Director of Power Project Management Board 2, talks with reporters. Photo: Thanh Tuan*

This approach not only helps increase the localization rate according to project requirements, but also creates opportunities for Vietnamese contractors to participate more deeply in the value chain, accumulate experience and gradually master complex stages.

- Vietnam still cannot be completely self-sufficient in technology and has to spend billions of dollars to buy new ones. Particularly at Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant, how has the technology reception, operation and transfer been carried out so far, sir?

Mr. Do Thanh Tai: EVN has a lot of experience in receiving and operating technology from previous projects. Currently, EVN's human resources are trained on-site, trained at the general contractor and are receiving additional training at Vinh Tan 4 Thermal Power Plant and Nghi Son Thermal Power Plant. After training, this force returns to participate in supervising installation at the construction site and receiving technology during the construction process. According to the general contractor and training units, the selected engineers and workers are all of good quality, capable of receiving and operating the plant after handover.

Creating a new energy development axis

- Supercritical technology is a big highlight at Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant. Can you explain more?

Mr. Do Thanh Tai: Supercritical technology is considered one of the most advanced technologies today, requiring a very high level of technical expertise in both design, installation and operation. At Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant, the team of engineers and workers has been carefully selected and trained thoroughly from the beginning, from the site to the stable operating factories of EVN. According to the assessment of the general contractor and training units, this force not only masters the process, has a firm grasp of the new technology structure but also has the capacity to safely and effectively operate supercritical parameters, meeting the most stringent standards of modern factories.

- Environmental issues and emissions are always of special concern to the people. How has Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant dealt with this problem?

Mr. Do Thanh Tai: Environmental requirements in power projects are set at a very strict level and there is almost no compromise. Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant has therefore invested in a complete set of advanced exhaust gas treatment technologies, including SOx, NOx reduction systems, desulfurization and new generation emission control equipment. All exhaust gas parameters are continuously monitored and show full compliance with current environmental standards.

*The total investment of the project is more than 42,000 billion VND, using EVN's capital and domestic commercial loans. Photo: EVN*

*Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant is expected to be a driving force for annual economic growth in Quang Tri province and the North Central region. Photo: Thanh Tuan*

During the implementation process, EVN proactively invited provincial leaders, departments and specialized agencies to visit stable operating plants such as Vinh Tan and Thai Binh . These are clear reference models of supercritical technology and modern environmental treatment systems. After direct surveys, the working groups all acknowledged that the new technologies have fundamentally resolved long-standing environmental concerns about thermal power, from the treatment of exhaust gas, ash and slag to noise control. This creates more confidence that when Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant comes into operation, it will operate much safer and more environmentally friendly than people previously imagined.

- According to Power Plan VIII, coal-fired thermal power will only play a pivotal role until 2030 and will decrease to "0" percent by 2050. How has Quang Trach 1 Thermal Power Plant prepared to meet this transition period?

Mr. Do Thanh Tai: In addition to Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant, EVN is also assigned to implement the LNG Quang Trach II and LNG Quang Trach III projects. Of which, LNG Quang Trach II strives to start construction this year, while LNG Quang Trach III has been approved by the province for investment and is expected to start construction in 2026. LNG projects use advanced technology, meeting environmental requirements. For Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant, after 2050, there will be appropriate fuel solutions to continue to utilize infrastructure and maintain power generation capacity while still ensuring environmental requirements.

Thank you!

Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant Project (Quang Tri) belongs to Quang Trach Power Center, the project was assigned by EVN to EVNPMB2 as the investor representative along with projects at Quang Trach Power Center with a total area of about 48.6 hectares in Phu Trach commune, Quang Tri province.
The project consists of two units with a total installed capacity of 1,403 MW. Once operational, the plant will provide the national power system with an annual output of approximately 9.1 billion kWh, contributing to ensuring national energy security and improving the safety and stability of the power system.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/nha-may-nhet-dien-quang-trach-i-noi-dia-hoa-la-yeu-cau-bat-buoc-433365.html