The topic of LNG,which is used for developing gas and electricity, has attracted public attention recently. LNG projects in Vietnam are monitored in terms of the progress and feasibility of each project so as to prepare for receiving and using imported LNG. Some great projects in Vietnam are in the paragraph below.
Outstanding LNG projects in Vietnam
Liquified natural gas has CH4-methane as the main ingredient. It undergoes liquefaction at an astonishingly cold temperature of -162oC, allowing for efficient transportation and cost optimization. LNG is expected to be imported and distributed for domestic consumption at the end of 2023 by PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation - the first company to gain a certificate of eligibility to export and import LNG in Vietnam. After importing, LNG is distributed through pipeline or tank trucks and satellite LNG stations for customers’ consumption.
Our country is promoting the completion of the infrastructure system, especially LNG depot projects for receiving, reserving, and distributing gas for importing LNG as planned. Up to now, two LNG ports are expected to operate soon, including Hai Linh LNG Port and Thi Vai LNG Port. Moreover, Vietnam has many other outstanding LNG projects that will be detailed below.
Thi Vai LNG project - Ba Ria Vung Tau
The Thi Vai LNG Project in Ba Ria Vung Tau is an important grand project of the oil industry, invested in by PV Gas. This project started on 28th October 2019. In the first stage, the wattage was 1 million tons of LNG per year with the total investment being 285 million USD, expected to be finished in 2022. In the second stage, the wattage was about 3 million tons of LNG peryear, expected to be finished in 2023.
Thi Vai LNG Project
The Thi Vai LNG project is part of the LNG Thị Vải - Nhơn Trạch chain projects, which included the LNG Thi Vai import depot project and the Nhon Trach 3 & 4 gas power plant project. After finishing the project, the Thi Vai LNG project is expected to supplement the supply of about 1.4 billion m3 for Nhon Trach 3 & 4 gas power projects, industrial customers, and fulfill the shortage of natural gas domestic demand.
Read more: What is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ? Is LNG clean energy?
The Hai Linh LNG project - Ba Ria Vung Tau
The Hai Linh LNG Project, located in Ba Ria Vung Tau, commenced in the second quarter of 2018 and was invested by Hai Linh Petroleum Co., Ltd. The LNG depot project has a capacity of 220.000 m3, a wattage of about 4 million tons peryear and is expected to be completed in 2023. In the first stage, two tanks with a capacity of 120.000 m3 were constructed. In the second stage, a 100.000 m3 tank was constructed. The total investment was estimated at about 8.400 billion VND. After finishing, the Hai Linh LNG project will supply LNG to the EVN - Phu My power plant group.
Hai Linh LNG Project
The Bac Lieu LNG project
The Bac Lieu LNG Project was a liquefied natural gas power project under the Bac Lieu LNG Gas Thermal Power Center. This project was invested by Delta Offshore Energy Pte. Ltd and had the expected total investment of 93.600 billion VND (approximately 4 billion USD). It was the biggest project in the Mekong Delta, and the wattage is 3200 MW. As planned, the project started in 2021 and will operate in 2024. However, the Bac Lieu LNG project has many challenges, so it hasn’t started yet.
Bac Lieu LNG Project
The Chan May LNG project - Thua Thien Hue
The Chan May LNG Project is a liquefied natural gas power plant project invested and developed by Chan May LNG Joint Stock Company in Chan May - Lang Co Economic Zone, starting construction in the first quarter of 2021, with a total wattage of 4,000 MW and an estimated investment of 6 billion USD. It is expected to operate in 2024 with an average power supply of 24-25 billion kWh. However, this project is expected to operate in the period of 2041-2045 by the power plan VIII in the period 2041-2045 when it is not possible to develop more gas power plants in the North.
Chan May LNG Projecr
To sum up, there are some typical LNG projects in Vietnam that are under construction and expected to be put into operation in the upcoming years. According to the development plan of Vietnam's gas industry until 2025, with a vision up to 2035, the whole country will build 6 LNG terminals with a total cost of more than 10 billion USD. For this reason, Vietnam can limit its dependence on fossil fuel sources such as coal and renewable energy (hydroelectricity, wind power, solar power, etc.) and also reduce emissions to protect the environment.