Great opportunities from LNG thermal power development

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is aiming to become the center of infrastructure services for receiving, storing and distributing liquefied natural gas (LNG). The province is also implementing thermal power projects using this fuel source to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

Thi Vai LNG Warehouse (PV GAS) supplies LNG gas for electricity production and industry in the Southeast region.

Many important milestones

At the end of May, at Cai Mep LNG port warehouse (Cai Mep Industrial Park, Phu My City), the Blue Dragon 1 ship docked carrying 60 thousand tons of LNG (liquefied natural gas). This was the first LNG ship to dock at the port warehouse invested by Hai Linh Company Limited.

Cai Mep Terminal is connected via pipeline to the largest power plant complex in Vietnam at Phu My, with a gas-fired power capacity of 3.9 GW. Strategically located, the port also has three onshore tanks with a total capacity of 220,000 m3 of LNG, a delivery system that can load the tanks and export LNG to smaller vessels. With 14 tanker truck loading stations, Cai Mep LNG Terminal is conveniently connected to many highways to provide a reliable supply of LNG to many key areas.

Mr. Nguyen Tuan Hung, Deputy General Director of Hai Linh Company, said that after a period of construction, welcoming the first LNG ship to the port is an important step in preparing for the trial run and then the official commercial operation of Cai Mep port warehouse. "This is expected to provide raw materials to create clean energy to contribute to the economic development of Ba Ria-Vung Tau in particular and the whole country in general," said Mr. Hung.

Thus, with Cai Mep port warehouse of Hai Linh Company and Thi Vai port warehouse invested by PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (PV Gas), in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province there are currently 2 port warehouses that can receive, store and distribute LNG. These are also the only 2 LNG port warehouses in Vietnam at present.

Recently, another good news for the province's LNG infrastructure industry is that Nhon Trach 4 Power Plant has successfully conducted its first fire. This is an important technical test step to confirm the completion of installation and operation of the main equipment systems, especially the gas turbine unit. This is the basis for the next steps such as ventilation, synchronization and test power generation.

Along with Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 power plants ( Dong Nai province), these are the first two national key LNG power plants that will officially generate electricity by the end of 2025 with a total capacity of 1,500 MW. Notably, these plants all use LNG fuel supplied from a port warehouse located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Along with that, a series of LNG thermal power plants are being deployed across the country.

Hai Linh Company Limited staff conducts test operations at Hai Linh LNG Warehouse.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is leading

According to the adjusted Power Plan VIII, in the coming time, Vietnam will still prioritize the maximum use of domestic gas for power generation. However, when supply decreases, it will be supplemented by imported LNG. By 2030, LNG thermal power will play an important role in ensuring energy security and supporting green transition. The total expected capacity of LNG plants will reach 22,524 MW, exceeding the capacity of domestic gas sources.

Therefore, LNG storage infrastructure will become a key industry in the energy supply chain, especially when the demand for importing this fuel increases sharply. Ba Ria-Vung Tau, with its advantages, is leading in this field. Recently, Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, signed and issued a document on ensuring gas sources and receiving infrastructure for electricity production. Accordingly, PV Gas and Hai Linh Company ensure the progress of infrastructure projects to receive and supply gas for electricity production, including LNG; prioritize gas sources for the consumption needs of thermal power plants in the province; research investment and techniques to increase the capacity of regasification of LNG to supply electricity production; speed up the progress of expansion projects, increase capacity, and connecting pipelines to ensure stable production and business.

LNG thermal power is considered an important transitional energy source with the advantage of lower emissions than coal thermal power, reducing CO2 by up to 60% and almost not creating SOx or fine dust. Currently, LNG plants are oriented towards modern, flexible and high-efficiency investment. LNG thermal power also does not generate ash and slag, has little impact on the environment, gas turbines can be converted to co-fire hydrogen, supporting Vietnam's goal of zero net emissions by 2050.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, in addition to focusing on developing the infrastructure industry, warehouses and LNG distribution, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is focusing on speeding up the implementation of procedures to implement the Long Son LNG Thermal Power Plant project with a capacity of 1,200-1,500MW in Vung Tau City.

Immediately after the Provincial People's Council agreed to put the land of the factory on the list of projects to be bid for using land, the Department of Industry and Trade sent a document to the Department of Finance regarding the investment policy of the Long Son LNG Thermal Power Plant project. In the coming time, the two departments will continue to coordinate in appraising the investment project proposal, completing the pre-feasibility study report of this project to submit to the Provincial People's Committee for approval of the investment policy as a basis for organizing the selection of investors.

Article and photos: QUANG VINH

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/kinh-te/202506/co-hoi-lon-tu-phat-trien-nhiet-dien-lng-1044975/