The construction of the Song Hau 1 Thermal Power Plant started on May 16 with a ground-breaking ceremony in Chau Thanh district, the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang launched by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

The plant, spanning an area of 115 hectares, has a total investment of 43 trillion VND (1.98 billion USD) with two turbines producing a combined capacity of 1,200 MW.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the Song Hau 1 Power Plant is important to ensuring national energy security, thus asking relevant parties to ensure the quality and deadline of the project.

A special mechanism was adopted for the construction of the plant to ensure its operation begins in 2019, the PM stressed.

Song Hau 1, forming part of the Song Hau Electricity Centre, will supply 7.8 billion kWh to the national grid and generate jobs for hundreds of local residents.

It will realise the national oil and gas sector’s power development strategy to 2030.-VNA