Unit 2 was connected on Monday, completing the first grid synchronization for both units with a combined capacity of 1,403 megawatts, according to state utility EVN’s Electricity Project Management Board 2 (EVNPMB2).

The successful synchronization will allow the project to proceed with further testing and commissioning work under the planned program, EVNPMB2 said.

Unit 1 was first connected to the grid on April 12. After about four months of testing and adjustments, it reached 100% of its rated load on August 13, generating 701.5 MW.

Unit 1 is continuing testing and commissioning activities ahead of commercial operation, while the project will now complete testing and adjustments for both units and other requirements needed for commercial operation.

The project is owned by EVN and managed by EVNPMB2. Construction began in December 2021.

The plant has two 701.5 MW turbines and a total investment of over VND42 trillion ($1.62 billion). Once fully operational, it is expected to generate about 8.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity yearly. The output would be equivalent to about 2.3-2.4% of Vietnam's projected electricity output and imports of 350 billion kWh in 2026.

Quang Trach 1 is expected to enter commercial operation in late 2026 or early 2027, adding new generation capacity ahead of the 2027 dry season, when electricity demand in northern Vietnam is expected to remain high.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam's power system continues to face uncertainty over supply and demand as several large generation projects have been delayed, hydrological conditions remain challenging, and domestic gas production is declining, while new gas supplies have been slow to come onstream.

Coal-fired power remained the largest source of electricity generation in the first eight months of 2026, producing 119.24 billion kWh, or 50.6% of total electricity output and imports. Hydropower followed with 58.62 billion kWh, accounting for 24.9%.

Against that backdrop, Quang Trach 1's progress toward commercial operation will add not only more than 1,400 MW of capacity but also a large baseload source that can be dispatched to meet system demand, strengthening power supply reliability as Vietnam's electricity consumption continues to grow.