Shanghai Electric completes equipment upgrade at Vietnam’s Ninh Binh power plant

Shanghai Electric has completed an equipment upgrade at Vietnam’s Ninh Binh power plant, revitalizing the facility after 45 years of operation. The upgrade, which introduced modern technology and advanced equipment, has increased the output of each of the plant’s four steam turbines from 25 MW to 27 MW, adding an estimated 30 years to the plant’s operational lifespan.

The Ninh Binh power plant, a key energy generator in northern Vietnam, plays a crucial role in the region’s infrastructure, water management, and economic development. At maximum capacity, the plant is expected to produce approximately 800 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.

Originally constructed with Chinese support, the plant began operations in 1974, with Shanghai Electric providing all electromechanical systems, boilers, and auxiliary equipment. Despite decades of high-load operation and minimal maintenance, the turbines had exceeded their intended design life, leading to significant wear and aging.

The upgrade by Shanghai Electric involved meticulous technical planning and on-site inspection due to the lack of technical documentation and operational data. The refurbishment not only increased turbine capacity but also restored efficiency, enhancing power output and stabilizing the local grid.

The Ninh Binh plant has also been instrumental in developing Vietnam’s power sector workforce, with many professionals trained there contributing to other major projects, including the Vinh Tan and Quang Ninh power plants, also undertaken by Shanghai Electric.