The Ninh Binh Power Plant, one of Vietnam’s first power plants, has received a complete overhaul after 45 years of operation thanks to Shanghai Electric. Located in Ninh Binh City, the plant has seen a significant boost in its performance. Each of the four steam turbines, equipped with modern technology and advanced equipment supplied by Shanghai Electric, has witnessed an increase in power output from 25 MW to 27 MW. This modernization project is expected to extend the plant’s operational lifespan by another 30 years.
Officially inaugurated in 1974, the Ninh Binh Power Plant serves as a primary energy generator for Northern Vietnam, crucial for sustaining local infrastructure, water management, and economic growth. Operating at full capacity, the plant is projected to generate around 800 million kilowatt-hours of electricity for the region annually.
Built with support from China, the Ninh Binh Power Plant initially relied on Shanghai Electric for all its electromechanical systems, boilers, and auxiliary equipment. Despite a lack of maintenance, these systems continued to operate under heavy loads for almost four decades. The plant’s unique design, implemented during its construction in 1971, featured a semi-submerged, semi-floating structure with primary operating areas positioned 11 meters below ground level.
“To deliver premium service and technical solutions to our users, Shanghai Electric worked closely with the Ninh Binh Power Plant and our partners in Vietnam. We created a dedicated service team to facilitate communication,” stated Ni Yuanpeng, Director of the Service Department at Shanghai Electric Power Generation Equipment Co., Ltd., the turbine plant. “We provided a range of technical upgrades and transformative solutions, including equipment life extension, control system modernization, environmental improvement implementation, and boiler co-firing capabilities, which played a crucial role in ensuring the comprehensive modernization of the Ninh Binh Power Plant.”
Before the recent modernization, the turbines had significantly exceeded their planned lifespan, leading to extensive wear and tear on internal components. This made it incredibly challenging to accurately assess the remaining life and performance of each part. The scarcity of technical documentation and operational data posed a significant challenge, requiring Shanghai Electric to conduct thorough on-site technical planning and inspection before initiating the project. The modernization enhanced the capacity of each turbine, restoring its efficiency to optimal levels, maximizing output, and improving the stability of the local grid.
The renovation of the Ninh Binh Power Plant, a critical component of Northern Vietnam’s energy infrastructure, is crucial for the country’s energy security and socio-economic development. Serving as an exemplary project in the history of the Vietnamese energy industry, the plant has played a key role in training numerous professionals who have contributed to the construction of numerous power plants across Vietnam, including Vinh Tan and Quang Ninh. These are two other major projects undertaken by Shanghai Electric in the country.
Moving forward, the plant aims to leverage opportunities for transformation with future projects focused on exploring energy-saving renovations, additional upgrades, and boiler co-firing to further enhance its performance. For more information about Shanghai Electric’s thermal power equipment and case studies, visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.
