Petrovietnam has broken ground on the VND27.7tn ($1.05bn) O Mon IV thermal power plant in Can Tho, Vietnam, a pivotal development in the country’s energy sector. The 1.15GW facility is the first downstream project in the Block B–O Mon Gas-to-Power value chain, a critical path for the entire chain with upstream gas development already two years ahead, as reported by The Investor.
The gas-to-power chain encompasses offshore gas exploitation at Block B, the Block B-O Mon gas pipelines, and a thermal power plant cluster. Block B, situated in the Malay-Tho Chu basin, is Vietnam’s second-largest upstream gas project after Ca Voi Xanh (Blue Whale). Commercial operations of O Mon IV are slated to commence in December 2028, aligning with the first gas from Block B.
Once completed, Petrovietnam will manage more than 9.3GW – approximately 10% of the national grid’s capacity. The power plant will provide energy to the Mekong Delta, a region crucial for Vietnam’s agriculture and economy.
A consortium of South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility and Vietnam’s Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 2 (PECC2) has been selected as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. Lead contractor Doosan will handle design, technology, equipment supply, and construction, aiming to deploy advanced combined-cycle gas turbine technology to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Doosan previously completed projects like the Vinh Tan 4 thermal power plant in central Vietnam.
Local partner PECC2 will provide consulting, design, EPC, and on-site technical supervision. PECC2 has worked on more than 100 power projects, substations, and transmission lines, including the Tri An hydropower plant expansion and the 500kV transmission line from Quang Trach to Pho Noi. In January 2025, PECC2, Saigon Jim Brother’s Corporation, and Solarvest (Vietnam) signed an MoU to accelerate renewable energy adoption in Vietnam.
This project underscores Vietnam’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and enhancing its power infrastructure. The integration of advanced gas turbine technology and the focus on emissions reduction reflect a broader trend in the energy sector towards cleaner and more efficient power generation. The successful completion of O Mon IV could set a precedent for future gas-to-power projects in Vietnam, potentially influencing the country’s energy policy and investment strategies.
Moreover, the collaboration between Vietnamese and international firms highlights the importance of technology transfer and local expertise in driving energy projects. As Vietnam continues to develop its gas resources, the O Mon IV project serves as a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in managing large-scale, complex energy initiatives. The project’s alignment with the first gas from Block B demonstrates careful planning and coordination, ensuring that upstream and downstream developments progress in tandem.
The O Mon IV thermal power plant is not just a significant addition to Vietnam’s energy portfolio but also a strategic move to bolster the Mekong Delta’s energy supply. This could have far-reaching implications for the region’s economic development and energy security. As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its progress and the broader impact on Vietnam’s energy landscape.