The Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant, located in Vietnam's southern province of Binh Thuan, is the first Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) investment project made by China in Vietnam. It is an important project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and has been listed in China-Vietnam key economic and trade cooperation projects. As the largest Chinese-invested project in Vietnam, it is also a key project for the Chinese and Vietnamese governments to promote infrastructure, capacity cooperation and connectivity, has got great attention.

Deepen Cooperation to Ease Electric Shortage in Key Southern Economic Zones

The total investment of the first phrase project of Yongxin Coal-Fired Power Plant is expected to be 1.755 billion US dollars, invested by China Southern Power Grid Company Limited (CSG) , China Power International Development Limited (CPIH) and Vinacomin Power Holding Corporation Ltd. (VP) in proportion of 55%, 40% and 5% respectively. The construction period is 4 years, official contractor is a combination composed of China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd and China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Power Engineering Co., Ltd. It will build two 600-MW super-critical generating units, and will be handed over to the Vietnamese government for free after 25 years of franchise operation.v

Their are two reasons why this project attracted great attention. One is that after the project completed and put into production, it will generate about 8 billion kWh of electricity annually and will alleviating the Electricity Shortage in the key southern economic zones. One the other hand, it is the first beneficial exploration of capacity cooperation by Chinese companies in Vietnam with BOT investment.

Reporters learned that the design and construction of Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant totally adopted Chinese standards, which is the real "Made in China". It will drive the “Go out” of Chinese financing, design, equipment, and construction with an amount of more than 8.7 billion yuan. “CSG with two other investors had determined to apply China's most advanced power equipment technology to the project, like using advanced technology equipment in reducing coal consumption and emission, to build a model project of China's technology equipment ‘Going Out’.” Zhang Tanzhi, Chairman of the Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant Stock Committee, said in the interview.

Hong Xiaoyong, the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, stressed in his survey of the Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant that this is a key capacity cooperation project in the five-year development plan of China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation, as well as land-based infrastructure cooperation, has great significance in promoting China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and deepening China-Vietnam pragmatic cooperation.

Safety First, Guarding the Lifeline of China and Vietnam Workers

On site of Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant, Chinese and Vietnam flags are particularly eye-catching on the huge project introduction display board. Chinese engineers stressed that "Safety is above everything". Vietnam also stressed "Safety First". Their common highest requirements for safety is unspoken agreement. Before entering the construction area, everyone needs to self-check facing the mirror. Only after the helmet, professional shoes, etc. are all qualified, are they allowed to enter the construction site.

The most attractive to reporter is the 10cm wide “single-plank bridge” which is 20cm high from the ground. Liang Wenjiong, contractor manager of the engineering combination of the project, said that all construction workers need to take “single-plank bridge” test before on duty. For workers passed the test, prove in good mental state and meet the requirements of on-site work. These small tests help in preventing incidents and ensure safety of workers in both countries.

Binh Thuan is located in south-central Vietnam, has strong sun light. The unique climate also bring challenges for workers. Cai Chao, field engineer of the production management department, with a tanned skin, told reporters that strong ultraviolet rays is the first challenge they met here.

Sudden storms could pose safety hazards to the foundations that just excavated. Liang Wenjiong told reporters that one morning of the early construction, drainage channel failed to discharge the rain in time due to huge instantaneous rainfall. The rainwater went into the chimney foundation. To prevent security risks, the workers were busy with drainage operation and digging a deeper and wider flood discharge channel from early morning till the next day afternoon. "Ensuring the safety of workers is of paramount importance”. Liang Wenjiong said.

Before the Spring Festival, the project company has a stronger safety conscious. Engineering department carry out specific safety inspections for various construction operations of high-risk projects. By further implementing emergency measures and strengthening emergency practice, to ensure the follow-up construction is safety and reliable.

Overcome Difficulties and Expect an Early Completion of the Project.

On the construction site, China and Vietnam workers worked hard to complete major construction points on time or even ahead of schedule. On February 29, 2016, the steel structure of Boiler 1 began hoisting, marking the full start of the installation of power plant equipment. On November 10, 2016, the large plate beam of the Boiler 2 began hoisting and successfully completed.

The Belt and Road has brought tangible benefits to the Vietnamese people. Local people have high expectations for the Vinh Tan 1 Thermal Power Plant. Phan DìnhVăn is from Huyện Ninh Phước of Tỉnh Ninh Thuận. He told reporters that many local people work at Tỉnh Bình Dương which has concentrated industrial areas. It is more than 300 kilometers away, and takes seven or eight hours by bus. After the plant put into operation, local young people can work at the plant and do not have to looking for job far away from home.

Lê Nguyên, who is also working on the project, shares the same thought with Phan DìnhVăn. He is a native of Vinh Tan, Binh Thuan, where the project is located. When graduated from English Major of Ho Chi Minh Foreign Trade University, she decided to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. But “Given to the long distance from hometown, I finally decided to return, and choosed to work at this promising project.” She said. Currently, she is mainly responsible for putting the design drawings provided by Chinese side into the computer for the engineers check.

"I hope the project will be completed and put into operation as soon as possible. With yield income so that it can create tax revenue, promote local economic development, and attract more investors to Binh Thuan." Lê Tiến Phương, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Thuan, said in the interview.

Source: People.cn, January 11, 2017

Headline: Chinese Enterprises Build “Going Out” Model Project (Early Fruit of the Belt and Road)