Ensuring reliable power supply for economic growth

Dong Nai, a major industrial hub in the southern region, is home to numerous large-scale projects that require a reliable electricity supply to support manufacturing and business activities.

Construction of the Tri An Hydropower Plant Expansion Project. Photo: Hoang Loc

As the city is accelerating socio-economic development during the 2026–2030 period with the goal of achieving double-digit economic growth, ensuring a sufficient and reliable power supply, particularly for production, business operations, and economic expansion, has play a crucial role in this process.

Multiple power projects underway

Under the revised eighth National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), Dong Nai is set to develop a diverse energy portfolio, including gas-fired power plants, hydropower, solar power and waste-to-energy (biomass) projects. Among the major developments, Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 gas-fired power plants have already entered commercial operation, while the Tri An Hydropower Plant Expansion Project and several other hydropower projects are currently under construction. By 2035, Dong Nai is planned to host 47 solar power projects with a combined installed capacity of nearly 9,500 MW. In addition, five electricity transmission projects have already been completed and put into operation.

Electricity production in Dong Nai is forecast to reach nearly 25.1 million kWh by 2030, while commercial electricity consumption is expected to exceed 24.3 million kWh. To meet the city's new requirements of socio-economic development, the Department of Industry and Trade has proposed increased investment in electricity transmission networks and power generation projects during the 2026–2030 period. The department has also recommended bringing forward the construction schedule for three 220-kV substations and their associated transmission lines from the 2031–2035 period to 2026–2030 to meet rapidly rising electricity demand, particularly from newly established industrial parks.

Vu Ngoc Long, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Industry and Trade, said electricity demand is increasing rapidly, making additional investment in the transmission network essential to prevent the grid from becoming overloaded. The city has also proposed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade revise and supplement solar power projects submitted by investors while strengthening transmission connections in the northern part of Dong Nai City (formerly part of Binh Phuoc Province).

Securing sufficient electricity for sustainable development

According to Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Dong Nai's total installed power generation capacity reached nearly 3,600 MW by the end of 2025, equivalent to 52.26% of the capacity target outlined in the revised PDP VIII for 2035, which envisions approximately 6,900 MW. Major power generation facilities currently operating in the city include the 400-MW Tri An Hydropower Plant, the 450-MW Nhon Trach 1 Thermal Power Plant, the 750-MW Nhon Trach 2 Thermal Power Plant, the 300-MW Formosa Thermal Power Plant, and the 264-MW Thac Mo Hydropower Plant.

The 110kV Long Thanh Airport Substation Project. Photo: Hoang Loc

As Dong Nai accelerates economic development with the implementation of numerous investment projects across the city, electricity demand from businesses and households is expected to continue rising sharply. The city has therefore urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade to direct relevant agencies to maximize the output of existing power plants, particularly the Nhon Trach 1, 2, 3, and 4 gas-fired power plants, in order to support the city's double-digit economic growth target for 2026 and the years ahead.

During a working session with a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade on June 19 regarding the development of power generation and transmission projects, Nguyen Kim Long, Member of the Standing Board of the City Party Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People's Committee, called for close cooperation from the ministry and its affiliated agencies to help resolve obstacles affecting ongoing energy projects. He also proposed adjusting the investment schedule for electricity supply and transmission projects to better reflect the city's realities following Dong Nai's elevation to city status and its adoption of a long-term target of double-digit economic growth.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long emphasized Dong Nai's strategic importance to the country's economic development. Regarding  energy for production and business activities, Long noted that the city has a large number of projects that have been completed, are underway, or are in the pipeline. He urged relevant agencies to accelerate ongoing projects while preparing conditions for future projects included in the approved master plan. The ministry, he said, will work closely with Dong Nai authorities and relevant stakeholders to address challenges and facilitate investment in the city's power infrastructure.

Throughout 2025 and the first months of 2026, the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee (now the  Dong Nai City People's Committee) directed Dong Nai Power Company to ensure a safe, reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply to support socio-economic development. The company also guaranteed power supply for major events, including the 2026 Lunar New Year celebrations, the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and all-level People's Councils for the 2026–2031 term, as well as the official ceremony announcing the establishment of Dong Nai City.

By Vuong The - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha