State-run Vietnam Electricity (EVN) organized a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower plant project, located in Ninh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam, as its investor on Saturday.

As Vietnam’s first pumped storage hydropower project, the plant has a total capacity of 1,200 MW, consisting of four pump/turbine-generator/motor units, each with a capacity of 300 MW. 

The total investment for the project is approximately VND21.1 trillion (US$ 826.64 million), funded through loans and EVN’s allocated capital. 

The first generating unit is expected to begin operation in December 2029, with the entire project slated for completion in May 2031. 

The project is of significant importance to the national power system, particularly as numerous renewable energy plants (solar and wind) with variable stability are being integrated into the grid. 

Construction vehicles at the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant project, located in Ninh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam, February 22, 2025. Photo: Ngoc An / Tuoi Tre

Its primary function is to generate electricity to meet peak demand, balancing load fluctuations by using pump power during off-peak hours and generating electricity during peak periods.

EVN began construction of Phase 1 of the project, which includes a cluster of spillway works located deep in the Song Cai hydropower reservoir, in January 2020 and completed it in March 2021.

Along with the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, the Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower plant is expected to make Ninh Thuan the largest clean energy hub in Vietnam and Southeast Asia upon their completion.

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