Nhon Trach 3 and 4 Plants: A pioneering milestone of LNG electricity in Vietnam

(Chinhphu.vn) - Being present at the construction site of Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 Power Plant project (Dai Phuoc commune, Dong Nai province) in early December, we clearly felt the urgent atmosphere in each construction item, when the team of engineers and workers were focusing on the final stage.

Overview of Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 Power Plant projects - Photo: VGP/Vu Phong

Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 Power Plants (NT3&NT4) invested by Vietnam Oil and Gas Power Corporation (PV Power), a member unit of Vietnam National Energy Industry Group, with Lilama - Samsung C&T joint venture as EPC contractor, are the first LNG power projects in Vietnam. The introduction of imported LNG into power production is not only a technological pioneer but also has strategic significance in the roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

With a total investment of about 1.4 billion USD, NT3 & NT4 is the opening project of Petrovietnam 's "gas-to-electricity" LNG chain, thereby forming a modern LNG power center model. The project is expected to increase electricity supply capacity, contributing to ensuring national energy security in the context of a strong energy transition and the demand for electricity in the Southern region continues to increase rapidly.

With a total investment of about 1.4 billion USD, NT3 & NT4 is the opening project of Petrovietnam's "gas to electricity" LNG chain, thereby forming a modern LNG power center model - Photo: VGP/Vu Phong

When operating stably, the two plants with a total capacity of 1,624 MW are expected to supply over 9 billion kWh per year. This is an important additional source in the context of the Southern region facing increasing demand for baseload power, especially during the energy transition period and strong load growth.

One of the outstanding technical highlights of NT3&NT4 is the 9HA.02 generation gas turbine system manufactured by GE (USA), the world's leading modern equipment line today. Thanks to the application of this technology, the operating efficiency of the two plants reaches 62-64%, making NT3&NT4 one of the most efficient gas power plant clusters in Vietnam today.

Mr. Le Ba Quy, Head of Nhon Trach 3 and 4 Power Plant Management Board, talks with reporters - Photo: VGP/Vu Phong

Many unprecedented challenges

According to Mr. Le Ba Quy, Head of Nhon Trach 3 and 4 Power Plant Management Board, as the first LNG project in the country, NT3 & 4 has to face many unprecedented difficulties, from the legal corridor, policy mechanisms for LNG power development, selecting contractors to supply high-tech equipment, to handling a large volume of investment and construction procedures. However, the project is still maintained on schedule and quality thanks to the determination of PV Power and the close support of management agencies, creating a foundation for the first two LNG plants in Vietnam to operate stably in the coming time.

Notably, the capital arrangement for the project was carried out in the context of no government guarantee, and had to fully meet the very strict environmental and social standards of international financial institutions. The project received the support and funding of prestigious international credit institutions such as SACE (Italy), SERV (Switzerland), KSURE (Korea), SMBC (Japan), ING (Netherlands), Citi (USA) and Vietcombank (Vietnam). The capital mobilization process demonstrated the capacity of project management, financial management, prestige and courage to implement large-scale energy projects in the context of increasingly clear market mechanisms.

Along with difficulties in mechanism and capital, the work of connection and capacity release is also a big challenge, requiring close coordination between the investor and related units. During the implementation process, the project received attention and close direction from the Government, the State Steering Committee for important national projects and works, ministries, branches, Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee... This synchronous coordination has contributed to removing many obstacles in connection, capacity release, legality, and site clearance; supporting the project to reach the finish line according to the set goals.

Control engineer Nguyen Hoang Ha of Samsung general contractor (blue shirt) is responsible for participating in the initial setup, configuration, signal tuning and processing of parts related to control logic - Photo: VGP/Vu Phong

10 million man-hours, tens of thousands of tons of equipment and the efforts of more than 3,200 people

Behind the two modern LNG power plants is a huge amount of construction. During the construction process, 3,257 engineers, workers and laborers from the investor, general contractor and 138 contractors directly participated in the construction. A total of about 40,000 tons of steel structures and equipment and 120,000 m³ of concrete were installed. The system recorded 10 million working hours - a number that reflects the persistent efforts of the project's workforce.

The general contractor consortium includes Samsung C&T (61%) and Lilama (39%). Samsung is responsible for supplying key equipment such as gas turbines, generators, steam turbines, heat recovery furnaces; while Lilama is responsible for all construction, installation and building work. With experience as a general contractor for many large projects such as Song Hau 1, Ca Mau, Uong Bi, Lilama is also responsible for all construction work for cooling water systems, compressed air, water treatment and 220 kV, 500 kV stations.

In this project, the role of Vietnamese engineers and workers is clearly shown. About 80% of the construction workforce is Vietnamese. Lilama's workers' skills are highly appreciated, many alignment items only take 7-10 days instead of months as usual. A team of skilled workers with 40-45 years of experience is mobilized to train the next generation. Chief consultant Fitner (Switzerland) commented that the skills of Vietnamese workers are superior to many other countries in the region.

At the project control room, control engineer Nguyen Hoang Ha of Samsung general contractor said that the application of the long coaxial axis model made the alignment between Lilama, Samsung and GE take a lot of time. Stages such as initial energization, station testing, and trial run all encountered many obstacles due to high technical requirements and related to power release and SCADA signal testing. However, thanks to the continuous efforts, all parties completed on schedule.

NT3 & NT4 are among the most important and modern projects of PV Power.

Symbol of energy transition efforts

The project has entered the final stages of completion. Nhon Trach 3 Plant was recognized for commercial operation on November 19, while Nhon Trach 4 is striving to be able to operate commercially before December 15.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Hoang Van Quang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PV Power, assessed NT3 & NT4 as one of the most important and modern projects of the unit, implemented based on the orientation of energy transition and industrial - energy development of the Group. The project also demonstrates Petrovietnam's LNG value chain development strategy, with PV Gas providing long-term input fuel for PV Power.

Mr. Quang emphasized that the decisive factor for the project's success comes from the selection of large, reputable partners in the field of general contracting, construction and equipment supply; along with PV Power's extensive experience in operating gas-fired power plants. According to him, this is an important foundation for PV Power to be completely confident in implementing other LNG projects in the future.

Regarding operational orientation, PV Power prioritizes safety for people and equipment; develops a team of engineers capable of mastering new generation gas turbine technology; optimizes costs and offers prices on the market so that the plant operates efficiently and sustainably.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nha-may-nhon-trach-3-va-4-dau-moc-tien-phong-cua-dien-khi-lng-viet-nam-102251206110225844.htm