HCMC – GE Hydro Solutions and Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) have conducted an acceptance test of the 240-MW turbine at the hydraulic laboratory in Grenoble, France, marking a key milestone in the expansion of the Hoa Binh hydropower plant.
Under a deal signed by GE Hydro Solutions and EVN for the expansion project in early 2022, GE Hydro Solutions will cooperate with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to supply all electrical and mechanical equipment consisting of two 240-MW turbines, generator sets, control and protection systems, and all accessories and auxiliary systems.
The test showed that the turbine model had successfully met all technical criteria required by EVN, ensuring the delivery to the project on schedule.
The strategic expansion project is expected to increase the installed capacity of the Hoa Binh plant to 480 MW and beef up electricity generation up to 264.4 million kWh per year at peak times during the dry season.
Besides, the stability and reliability of the facility are to be significantly improved through more flexible operating conditions to deliver energy that meets the system’s requirements, resulting in improving water supply to downstream areas during the dry season.
In addition, the project will help extend the lifespan of the equipment and reduce maintenance and operating costs of the plant.
The Hoa Binh expansion project plays an important role in meeting Vietnam’s growing energy demand. The project aims to optimize hydropower to increase electricity production, and to improve the supply and stability of the electricity system.
The new units are designed to increase annual production by about 488 GWh, contributing to replacing fossil fuel production, thus avoiding the release of some 225,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions into the atmosphere.
“With the Hoa Binh plant expansion, we are making a significant contribution to making electricity in Vietnam more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable. We are laying a solid foundation for further collaboration with EVN, enabling us to strengthen GE Hydro’s presence in the Vietnamese hydropower market,” said Brian Selby, general manager of GE Hydro in Asia.
The Hoa Binh hydropower plant expansion project, which is located in the northern province of Hoa Binh, needs VND9.2 trillion in investment.
