Unit No. 2 of Vietnam’s Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion Project syncs to National Grid
Unit No. 2 of Vietnam’s Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion Project was successfully synchronised with the national power grid at 16:20 on November 14, 2025, marking a key step toward full completion of one of the country’s largest ongoing energy projects. Earlier the same day, the AT2 transformer and the associated 500kV GIS substation were energized to support commissioning activities.
The 480MW expansion, invested by state-run Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and overseen by Power Project Management Board No. 1, has been advancing through a series of technical milestones. The rotor for Unit No. 2 was installed on October 7, followed by system testing and calibration leading up to grid synchronization.
Unit No. 1 began generating power on August 19, 2025. The activation of Unit No. 2 keeps the project on track for completion within the year, contributing to Vietnam’s energy development goals.
Image courtesy of Vietnam Electricity (EVN)
Located on the right bank of the existing Hoa Binh dam, the expansion project includes new intake works, a water tunnel, and an additional powerhouse, while sharing the current plant’s reservoir and dam infrastructure. The intake and approach channel are situated in Thong Nhat Ward, Phu Tho Province, with the main powerhouse positioned in Hoa Binh Ward.
Once fully operational, the expanded facility is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s peak power supply, improve grid stability, and make fuller use of seasonal water discharge from the original plant. EVN says the added capacity will help reduce system operating costs and ease the workload on existing turbine units, extending equipment lifespan and lowering maintenance demands.
The project carries a total investment of more than VN$9,220bn (US$349m) and involves Power Engineering Consulting JSC 1 as the engineering consultant. Major construction work is being carried out by a consortium including the Truong Son Construction Corporation under the Ministry of Defense, Construction JSC 47, and Lilama 10 JSC.
Source: https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/news/vietnams-hoa-binh-project-syncs-second-unit-to-national-grid/?cf-view
