The $2.58 billion Van Phong 1 BOT thermal power plant is expected to start commercial operation in August next year

In a field survey in Khanh Hoa on December 16, general director of Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) Tran Dinh Nhan had a working session with leaders of Khanh Hoa People’s Committee to discuss the cluster of power projects to release the capacity of the Van Phong 1 BOT thermal power plant. The cluster includes the Van Phong 500kV transformer station and connection and the 500kV Van Phong - Vinh Tan transmission line.

The construction of the 500kV transformer station and connection is completed and ready for testing operation to release power from the thermal power plant. The construction of the connection line between Thuan Nam station and Van Phong – Vinh Tan station is in the final works.

Regarding the construction process of the thermal power plant, according to the report of Van Phong Power Company, the plant’s workload is completed by 87 per cent, which meets the expected scheme. The company expects to take the first turbine into operation in August 2023, and the second turbine will be taken into operation in December 2023.

Nguyen Tan Tuan, Chairman of Khanh Hoa People’s Committee, said there was currently some aggravation in land clearance. However, the province intends to resolve the problem to ensure the project's construction process.

A 25-year power purchase agreement with state-owned utility EVN backs the Van Phong 1 power project. The plant is a driving force project that plays a vital role in the province's socioeconomic development and in Van Phong Economic Zone in particular.

When the project comes into operation, it will enhance and ensure energy security for the national power grid system, create employment, develop local industries, and create economic resilience for Khanh Hoa and the south central region.