An Khanh thermal power plant: asserting capacity

On January 30, 2010, An Khanh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company held a ceremony to kick off the construction on a thermal power plant in An Khanh commune, Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province.

On January 30, 2010, An Khanh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company held a ceremony to kick off the construction on a thermal power plant in An Khanh commune, Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province. This is the largest thermal power project in Thai Nguyen province and is also the first to be invested by a private enterprise.

The 100-MW An Khanh thermal power plant, covering an area of more than 30 ha, costs over VND3,000 billion (US$160 million). The plant is powered by the modern circulating fluidised bed (CFB) technology and advanced equipment. EPC contractor is the China People’s Power Gas Group, which is supported by leading, experienced Vietnamese subcontractors.

Mr Nguyen Van Thang, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, said: “An Khanh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company plans to complete the construction in 30 months, with the first turbine to be completed in August 2011 and the second turbine in September 2012 to generate 800 million KWh a year. The project is expected to pay off by 2022, pay VND100 billion a year to the State Budget and create jobs for over 400 local people. To achieve these goals, the company has stepped up cooperation with its partners to clear site and construct the foundation and supporting facilities.

Currently, all building works are on the right track. A thermal power plant requires the investor a strong financial capacity, profound technical competency and large experienced, skilful workforce. Before An Khanh, several investors attempted to build thermal power plants in the province but they were unsuccessful due to difficulties. With its dynamic, energetic workforce and convincing plan, An Khanh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company was officially awarded an investment certificate by the Thai Nguyen province’s People’s Committee on August 6, 2009.

Mr Nguyen Van Thang added: “Beside the main thermal power plant, the company will also build a super-light material factory to resort to coal residues emitted by the power plant. This project helps increase revenues for the company, create jobs for local people and reduce environmental pollutants. The company also builds a good wastewater treatment system.”

Basing on advantages of building the first An Khanh thermal power plant, on July 21, 2010, the company submitted the construction plan for the second one with a planned capacity of 300 MW and a total investment capital if VND10,000 billion in Pho Yen district, Thai Nguyen province. To ensure steady coal input for the second facility, An Khanh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company has signed investment cooperation agreements with PT. Bangun Indonesia and Perusahaan Daerah Kelistrikan Dan Sumber Daya Energi of Indonesia to set up a joint venture to produce coal and export to Vietnam.

Giving reasons for this activity, Thang said: “Setting up a joint venture and sending Vietnamese workers there, we will ensure a rational balance of input coal prices and output electricity prices. If the An Khanh 2 Thermal Power Plant is approved and the construction is on track, the national power grid will have additional 2.2 billion kWh of electricity a year.”

With the construction progress in the first power plant and the preparation for the second plant, An Khanh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company partially demonstrates its determinations and capabilities of a private enterprise to large power projects. With contributions of private enterprises and proper orientations of the State, the electricity industry of Vietnam will continue to make longer strides.

As asked for the reason why he chose the slow capital-recovering investment in power projects not quick ones, Mr Nguyen Van Thang said in a modest voice: “In fact, electricity investments use 40 percent of my time. I am investing many business sectors and I am paid off more quickly than electricity investments. But, in the context of power thirst in Vietnam, I hope to contribute my enthusiasm and energy to the electricity industry.”

Nguyen Van Thang is a retired veteran. Thus, he is trusted to lead An Khanh Thermal Power Joint Stock Company to go forward. – VCCI

Tags: An Khanh thermal power plant, Vietnam energy