Shanghai Electrical Upgrades Equipment at Ninh Binh Power Plant in Vietnam
Shanghai Electrical recently completed a major overhaul of the equipment at the Ninh Binh Power Plant in Vietnam, enhancing its efficiency, productivity, and longevity. The upgraded equipment from Shanghai Electrical has extended the service life of the power plant by an additional 30 years.
The Ninh Binh Power Plant, one of the first power plants in Vietnam, was built in the city of Ninh Binh and has been in operation for 45 years. With the help of Shanghai Electric, the power plant underwent a comprehensive refurbishment. The power output of each of the four steam turbine units was increased from 25 MW to 27 MW, and the modernization project is expected to extend the operational life of the power plant by another three decades.
Established in 1974, the Ninh Binh Power Plant plays a crucial role in supporting local infrastructure, managing water resources, and driving economic growth in northern Vietnam. When operating at full capacity, it is projected to generate approximately 800 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually for the region.
Shanghai Electrical provided all the electromechanical systems, boilers, and auxiliary equipment for the power plant, which continued to operate under high load conditions for nearly four decades without proper maintenance. The construction of the power plant began in 1971 and featured a unique semi-submerged and semi-floating structure with key operational areas located 11 meters below ground.
“To provide our users with premium services and technical solutions, Shanghai Electrical closely collaborated with the Ninh Binh Power Plant and our partners in Vietnam, creating a specialized service team to facilitate communication,” said Ni Yuanpeng, Director of the Service Department at Shanghai Electrical Energy Moment Apparatus Co., Ltd. Turbine Installation. “We conducted numerous technical enhancements and transformations, including extending the equipment’s service life, upgrading control systems, implementing environmental improvements, and enhancing boiler capabilities for co-firing, all of which played a crucial role in the comprehensive modernization of the Ninh Binh Power Plant.”
Before the recent turbine modernization, the turbines had significantly exceeded their planned service life, leading to severe wear and aging of internal components. This made it challenging to accurately assess the remaining service life and performance of each part. The problem was exacerbated by the lack of substantial technical documentation and operational data, requiring Shanghai Electrical to conduct detailed on-site technical planning and inspection before commencing the project. The modernization increased the power output of each turbine, restoring its efficiency to optimal levels, maximizing output power, and improving the stability of the local grid.
The restoration of the Ninh Binh Power Plant, a crucial component of northern Vietnam’s energy infrastructure, is vital for the country’s energy security and eco-social development. As an exemplary project in Vietnam’s energy industry history, the power plant has played a significant role in training a large number of specialists who have contributed to the construction of numerous power plants across Vietnam, including the Vinh Tan and Quang Ninh Energy Plants, two other major projects by Shanghai Electrical in the country. Looking ahead, the power plant aims to explore opportunities for energy-saving upgrades, additional modernizations, and co-firing boiler enhancements to enhance its performance.
For more information on thermal power equipment and specific examples from Shanghai Electrical, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.



