Long An seeks to convert power station from coal input to LNG
Long An seeks to convert power station from coal input to LNG
As part of its ongoing development efforts and concern for the environment, the government of the Mekong Delta province of Long An is seeking the Government’s approval to convert its coal-fired power center to one that uses liquefied natural gas (LNG), with help from foreign investors, stated Le Minh Duc, director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade.
Duc told The Saigon Times that the province will also propose raising the capacity of the center but did not provide further details.
Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue, at a recent meeting with the provincial leaders, has agreed to the province’s proposal, Duc added.
The Long An coal-fired power center covers 260 hectares of land, but if it converts to LNG, the area needed will drop to some 100 hectares. Therefore, the province is proposing an increase in the center’s capacity to make use of the remaining land.
Duc pointed out that multiple investors have expressed interest in the LNG power project, but the province has chosen two investors from the United States. The final decision will be made by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Government.
The Long An power center includes Long An 1 and 2 thermal power plants, with a combined capacity of 2,800 megawatts.
The province had earlier asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to approve the development of LNG power plants instead of coal-fired ones.
However, the ministry rejected the proposal as the province’s coal-fired thermal power projects had been included in the adjusted National Power Development Plan VII, approved by the prime minister on March 18, 2016.
