Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc's conclusion notice on 15/9 detailed information regarding key transport and energy projects in the Mekong Delta.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, ensuring energy security and establishing industrial zones and energy hubs in the Mekong Delta, particularly Can Tho city, is essential. This initiative aims to support the region's double-digit economic growth target in the coming period.

He instructed ministries and local authorities to strictly monitor project progress and promptly resolve bottlenecks in regional energy projects.

For the Song Hau 2 Thermal Power Plant project, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, alongside relevant agencies, must resolve outstanding disputes with the investor by September. This resolution should ensure a balance of benefits and adhere to international commitments.

Following this, the Ministry will report to the Prime Minister on the proposal from Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) concerning this project, with an operational target set for 2030.

Another set of projects requiring resolution this month are those within the Lo B - O Mon gas-to-power chain, including O Mon 2 and O Mon 3 Thermal Power Plants. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is tasked with working with ministries, EVN, PVN, and investors to resolve existing issues for the O Mon 2 project. The Government insists that contract negotiations should not be prolonged, as this would impact project timelines.

For the O Mon 3 project, the bidding process for the EPC contractor must conclude in September. Concurrently, related bidding packages need to be deployed to ensure the overall project schedule.

O Mon I Thermal Power Plant is part of the O Mon Power Center. Photo: EVN

O Mon I Thermal Power Plant is part of the O Mon Power Center. Photo: EVN

The Government appointed Toyo In Group Berhad (Malaysia) as the investor for the Song Hau 2 project (2,000 MW) in 3/2013. Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), power purchase, and land lease contracts were signed in 12/2020. However, due to various difficulties, the original investor ceased implementation. Resolving issues related to the deposit, project documentation, and emerging disputes has become a major bottleneck for the project.

Key issues for the power plant projects within the Lo B - O Mon gas-to-power chain primarily involve agreements on electricity prices, capital loans, power purchase contracts, and gas off-take commitments.

The Deputy Prime Minister's conclusion notice requires PVN to monitor the progress of upstream and midstream projects, aiming to shorten timelines and ensure the first gas from Lo B no later than Q3/2027. An Giang province also needs to promptly hand over the remaining land for the gas pipeline passing through its locality.

Beyond ongoing projects, the Government is considering adding more power sources in the region. The Deputy Prime Minister requested that the proposal for the O Mon 5 Power Plant clearly specify the gas source for the O Mon - Lo B Power Center, its capacity evacuation potential, and a commitment to a 2030 implementation timeline.

Similarly, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is assigned to work with PVN on the proposed Long Phu 2 Power Plant. The Ministry must assess the project's feasibility, efficiency, and the power system's capacity to absorb and evacuate its output before reporting to the Prime Minister.

Regarding Can Tho city's proposals, the Ministry will consider them during the adjustment of Power Plan VIII, including offshore wind power projects, based on assessments of feasibility and transmission capacity.

Phuong Dung