Preparation for the groundbreaking ceremony of Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant in late February 2025

The Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant project, located in Ninh Thuan province, has been approved by the Prime Minister under the National Power Development Plan for the period 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050. This is Vietnam’s first pumped storage hydropower project, with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) as the investor. The Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 4 (EVNPECC4) was assigned by EVN to research and develop the project since 2006. The project is scheduled to commence construction in February 2025, with the first generating unit to be commissioned in December 2029 and full project completion expected by May 2031.

EVNPECC4 – The engineering consultant for the first Pumped Storage Hydropower Project in Vietnam

The Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant has a total capacity of 1,200 MW, consisting of four pump/turbine-generator/motor units, each with a capacity of 300 MW. The total investment for the project is approximately VND 21,100 billion, with funding sourced from loans and EVN’s allocated capital. The first generating unit is expected to commence operation in December 2029, and the entire project is set for completion in May 2031.

Accordingly, EVNPECC4 has undertaken key consultancy roles, including site surveys, investment report, feasibility study, environmental impact assessment, technical design, bidding document preparation, and detailed design for the project.

This project holds significant importance for the national power system, particularly as numerous renewable energy plants (solar and wind) with low stability are being integrated into the grid. The primary function of the project is to generate electricity to cover the peak of the system’s load diagram, helping to balance fluctuations in the load curve by utilizing pump power during off-peak hours and generating electricity during peak demand periods.

Signing of the Construction Contract for Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant Project (Phase 2)

On February 13^th 2025, EVN, in collaboration with Power Project Management Board 3 and a contractor consortium (including Lung Lo Construction Corporation, Song Da Corporation, LILAMA 10 Joint Stock Company, SCI E&C Joint Stock Company, Construction 47 Joint Stock Company, Truong Son Construction Corporation, and Vietnam Construction and Import-Export Corporation), held a signing ceremony for contract package 02XL-BA: “Construction and Installation of Works for the Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant – Phase 2, Stage 1” in Ninh Thuan province.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, EVN’s leadership emphasized that this is Vietnam’s first pumped storage hydropower project and a key project in EVN’s 2025 implementation plan. Throughout the investment preparation and project execution phases, EVN has received close attention and guidance from the Government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Commission for Management of State Capital at Enterprises, as well as strong support and coordination from Ninh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee and relevant departments. These collaborative efforts have ensured the formulation of an optimal construction strategy, the selection of suitable contractors, and compliance with safety, progress, and quality requirements.

EVN has assigned Power Project Management Board 3 and the contractor consortium under contract package 02XL-BA to manage and execute the project, ensuring adherence to quality and environmental standards. Resources and equipment will be concentrated to expedite progress and strive for project completion as scheduled.