In 2024, Vietnam faced record-breaking heatwaves not seen in over 50 years, with daily electricity demand exceeding 1 billion kWh. Despite this, the national power grid operated steadily without power shortages.  

However, the National Power Development Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050 (Power Plan VIII), still faces shortcomings. Challenges in policies and mechanisms have hindered the progress of power projects. As a result, power source development for the 2021–2025 period is projected to reach only 56.7% of the plan, posing a potential risk of power shortages.

Looking ahead, Vietnam's socio-economic development targets are significantly higher. By 2025, the national economic growth rate is expected to exceed 8%, with growth from 2026 to 2030 aimed at double digits. This requires electricity demand to grow 1.5 times, with annual increases projected between 12% and 16%, necessitating the addition of 8,000–10,000 MW annually.  

To meet power demand for socio-economic development during 2025–2030 and ensure national energy security in the new era, the government has taken comprehensive measures. Projects experiencing delays or misaligned with national development goals are being replaced or eliminated, with a deadline set for February 28, 2025.  

One such key project is the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants. Recently, the Prime Minister instructed the Chairman and CEO of Petrovietnam, the National Oil and Gas Group, to maximize resources to expedite the construction of Nhon Trach 3 and 4, ensuring completion and commercial operation by June 2025.

Due to its unprecedented scale and complex, cutting-edge technology, the project has faced significant challenges. Each stage has presented unique challenges for project management, as there were few precedents to draw upon.  

As of November 15, 2024, the overall EPC contract execution progress was estimated at 95%. Design work was 98.6% complete, procurement and manufacturing at 99.9%, equipment installation at 97%, and commissioning at 18%.  

The Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants, designated as a national priority project, are located in the Ong Keo Industrial Park, Phuoc Khanh Commune, Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province.  

With a capacity of 1,500 MW and a total investment of 1.4 billion USD, the project will contribute approximately 9 billion kWh annually to the national power grid upon completion.  

This is Vietnam's first LNG-fueled thermal power project, supporting the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged by the Prime Minister at COP26.  

For Dong Nai Province, the project is expected to generate annual revenue of 17,000–18,000 billion VND once operational.  

According to Petrovietnam, the bidding evaluation process for the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants was among the fastest in Vietnam for an international EPC contract, despite challenges posed by stringent COVID-19 regulations during the pandemic's peak.  

The Samsung C&T Corporation and Vietnam Machinery Installation Corporation (LILAMA) joint venture won the EPC contract, covering design, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, and acceptance.  

This project features some of the world's most powerful and efficient gas turbines, marking Vietnam's first adoption of the H-class gas turbine. The technology, among the most advanced globally, showcases the synergy between domestic contractor capabilities and international technological expertise.