The first turbine of Nhon Trach 2 thermal power plant, located in the southern province of Dong Nai , on December 26 officially generated electricity to the national grid, three months ahead of schedule.

This is a joint effort of the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and the project’s contractors - Vietnam Machinery Erection Corporation (Lilama) and PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation, as a gift to welcome the 11 th National Party Congress.

The ahead-of-schedule operation of the first turbine is of significance to ensure the electricity for the country’s economy, especially in the context that 2011’s six-month dry season is forecasted to be in short of 1.4 billion kWh.

According to PVN, the group itself and the contractors are making great efforts to operate the second turbine in the first quarter of 2011 and put the combined cycle into operation by the end of next year.

The 706 million USD power project, kicked off in June 27, 2009 with Nhon Trach II PetroVietnam Power Joint Stock Company as the main investor, includes two turbine groups with a total capacity of 500MW and uses Nam Con Son gas as fuel for generating power.

The project is jointly invested by PVN, Electricity of Vietnam, Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group and Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group./.