Vietnam has officially brought its first liquefied natural gas (LNG)–fired power plants online, a milestone that could significantly reshape the country’s energy landscape. The plants, Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4, developed by PetroVietnam Power (PV Power), have a combined capacity of 1,624 megawatts and represent the nation’s first major LNG-to-power project.

Located in Dong Nai province, the two plants together cost around US $1.4 billion to develop. Nhon Trach 3 was connected to the national grid in February 2025 during initial testing and achieved full-load operations of 812 MW in mid-2025. Nhon Trach 4 is expected to start commercial operations by December 2025. Once fully operational, the plants are projected to generate 9–12 billion kWh annually, enough to meet approximately 60% of the province’s electricity demand. Analysts view this as a crucial step in Vietnam’s broader plan to expand LNG-based power generation and reduce reliance on coal-fired energy.

The successful launch signals both technological and financial confidence. The project received backing from domestic and international financiers, including major banks like Citi and ING. This support highlights the growing attractiveness of LNG projects in Southeast Asia as countries seek cleaner and more reliable energy sources.

While Nhon Trach 3 and 4 mark the beginning of Vietnam’s LNG journey, challenges remain. Long-term LNG supply, regulatory frameworks, and economic viability will determine the success of future projects. Nonetheless, these first plants set a precedent for the country’s ambition to integrate more natural gas into its energy mix by 2030.

Vietnam’s first LNG-fired power plants are now online, signaling a turning point in the nation’s energy transition. As the country ramps up its LNG infrastructure, these plants could become a model for cleaner, sustainable power generation in Southeast Asia.