Power sector completes work ahead of schedule at Long Thanh Airport project

Dong Nai Power Company (PC Dong Nai) has completed the entire 110kV Long Thanh Airport Substation project, along with the associated transmission lines, to supply electricity to the airport, the largest of its kind in the country to date. The project was completed ahead of schedule, ensuring a stable and high-quality power supply for the inaugural technical flight scheduled for December 19, 2025, as well as the airport’s initial operational phase.

Workers from Dong Nai Power Company conduct technical inspections ahead of energizing the second transformer, marking the completion of the entire project.

This achievement clearly demonstrates the power sector’s “stay one step ahead” approach while highlighting PC Dong Nai’s capability in organizing and executing strategic infrastructure projects with high technical requirements under increasingly tight schedules.

Digital substation operates to international standards

The 110kV Long Thanh Airport Substation and associated transmission lines have a total capacity of 80MVA and a total investment of over VND 158 billion. PC Dong Nai implemented the project in two phases. Phase 1, which involved constructing the substation, installing the 40MVA T1 transformer, and connecting the transmission lines, was energized at the end of 2024.

Phase 2, involving the installation of the 40 MVA T2 transformer, commenced in September 2025 and was successfully energized on November 24, 2025, in under two months. By November 29, 2025, PC Dong Nai, in coordination with Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), successfully connected the 22kV outgoing lines, officially integrating the substation into the national grid and the airport’s internal distribution system.

This milestone carries special significance, ensuring a reliable power supply for the synchronized testing of key facilities, including the passenger terminal, air traffic control tower, runway lighting systems, technical centers, and aviation security infrastructure. It also provides a crucial foundation for Long Thanh Airport to be ready to receive its historic inaugural technical flight in the coming days.

Finished ahead of schedule, the project not only guarantees a safe and reliable power supply for Vietnam’s largest airport but also underscores Dong Nai’s power sector’s expertise in managing and delivering critical electrical infrastructure projects. 

NGUYEN PHUOC DUC, General Director of Southern Power Corporation

The project comprises a 3.8-kilometer, double-circuit 110kV transmission line, two transformers with a total capacity of 80MVA, and six 22kV outgoing feeders that supply electricity directly to the airport’s operational zones. Technologically, the substation is designed as an unmanned 110kV facility, entirely operated through a digital control system in line with the standards of Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC). All remote monitoring and control operations are managed through the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, which is compliant with IEC 61850, the international standard for substation automation and control. This undertaking enables real-time equipment monitoring and improves power supply reliability.

Notably, the project meets the highest technical standards for safety and reliability in power supply, fully meeting the requirements of a critical load such as Long Thanh International Airport.

Come rain or shine, work finishes ahead of schedule

Truong Dinh Quoc, Director of PC Dong Nai, shared that the project faced numerous challenges, including land clearance, fluctuations in material costs, and strict construction requirements within a high-security area. However, with decisive guidance from the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People’s Council, the Provincial People’s Committee, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and EVNSPC, combined with close coordination from local authorities and the cooperation of residents in the area, obstacles were gradually resolved, ensuring the project stayed on schedule.

PC Dong Nai’s leadership emphasized that, given the project’s critical importance, engineers and workers operated around the clock, demonstrating a spirit of “overcoming sun and rain.” A range of technical solutions and efficient construction methods were implemented to accelerate the timeline while ensuring quality and safety standards. The project stands as a testament to sustained effort and a strong sense of responsibility in a national-scale initiative.

Upon completing the project, PC Dong Nai established five key task groups to ensure the airport’s power system operates safely, continuously, and at high quality. The substation operates in accordance with the highest industry standards and is continuously monitored 24/7 through the SCADA system.

Nguyen Phuoc Duc, General Director of EVNSPC, emphasized that ensuring a stable power supply for Long Thanh Airport is a critically important task assigned to PC Dong Nai. EVNSPC has instructed the company to coordinate with local authorities proactively, resolve arising challenges, and ensure that the power infrastructure "stays one step ahead", serving the needs of construction, operations, and laying the groundwork for fast and sustainable development.

Power sector leaves imprint on national key project

The Long Thanh Airport construction site currently consumes approximately 730,000 kWh of electricity per month, comparable to the demand of a large industrial facility. Bringing the 110kV substation online on schedule is therefore crucial to ensure a stable power supply during the final critical phase of multiple key projects, including the passenger terminal, taxiways, aprons, operations center, and security screening systems.

During the trial operation and inaugural technical flights, the project remains essential in providing a continuous, high-quality power supply to critical infrastructure, including air traffic management systems, the control tower, runway lighting, technical centers, and security and surveillance networks.

On December 12, following the successful energization from the receiving substation to the Long Thanh Airport Energy Center and from the center to the five passenger terminal substations, ACV assessed that this milestone ensures a stable power supply for the airport both now and in the future. ACV also noted that the electricity needed for ongoing airport construction is fully secured, and the energy center is operating reliably, capable of meeting the airport’s power demands once it becomes operational.

In addition to serving the airport, the substation helps reduce the electricity supply radius, minimize energy losses, and improve voltage quality for Long Thanh and the surrounding areas. This endeavor provides a key foundation for Dong Nai province to attract investment and develop logistics hubs, aviation services, and supporting industries, sectors expected to grow significantly around the airport in the coming years.

Emphasizing the importance of the project, Truong Dinh Quoc, Director of PC Dong Nai, affirmed that the completion of the 110kV Long Thanh Airport Substation and its connecting transmission lines is a source of great pride for the engineers, technicians, and workers of Dong Nai’s power sector. Although the project required stringent technical standards, strict safety protocols, and an accelerated timeline, it was successfully delivered as a fully integrated, modern facility that met all the requirements of a national key infrastructure project.

By Hoang Loc – Translated by Tam Binh, Minho