Vietnam LNG Market: Recent Moves in Beginning of 2025

Under government directives and the roadmap in Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), Vietnam’s LNG market is experiencing significant growth

24Mar2025

B&Company

Latest News & Report / Vietnam Briefing

Comments: No Comments.

B&Company is the first Japanese company specializing in market research and investment consulting in Vietnam since 2008.

In this section “Vietnam Briefing”, young researchers of B&Company will provide timely information of Vietnam’s industrial trends, consumer trends, and social movements.

This article is written in English and automatic translation is used for other language versions. Please refer to the English version for accurate content. Although we strive to ensure the accuracy of the original information, please check separately for each information. Interpretations and future prospects are the personal opinions of each researcher.

Under government directives and the structured roadmap outlined in Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), Vietnam’s LNG market is experiencing significant growth. Moreover, 2025 marks an increase in both domestic and international investments, further reinforcing the market’s potential and promising opportunities for future development.

Overview of the Vietnam LNG Market

Vietnam officially entered the LNG market in 2023 with the operational Thi Vai LNG Terminal (1 million tons per annum), supplying gas for the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants. By 2024, the construction plan for Cai Mep Terminal (3 million tons per annum) was expected to enhance Vietnam’s LNG import capacity further and is expected to operate by the end of 2030. In addition, Vietnam has also been expanding its LNG infrastructure to meet growing energy demands. Under the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), LNG is projected to contribute 22.4 GW of power capacity by 2030, making up around 15% of the nation’s total energy mix[1].

With the government’s continuous efforts to promote LNG energy adoption in recent years, Vietnam’s LNG market is entering a pivotal phase in 2025, marked by significant infrastructure developments and increasing imports. For instance, in January 2025, the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants in Dong Nai officially commenced operations and successfully ignited for the first time, with a combined capacity of 1,624 MW[2]. While Vietnam initiated the Thi Vai Terminal (1 MTPA) and plans to add the 3 MTPA Cai Mep Terminal, both in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, its capacity is still modest compared to Thailand’s 10 MTPA at Map Ta Phut and 7.5 MTPA at Nong Fab[3], as well as Singapore’s 11 MTPA SLNG Terminal[4]. This huge gap in production underscores Vietnam’s need to accelerate LNG infrastructure development to meet regional standards.

Nhon Trach 3 power plant in Dong Nai

Nhon Trach 3 power plant in Dong Nai

Source: The Investor

Government Initiatives on the LNG Market

Despite these expansions, as of 2025, Vietnam has only completed two LNG power plants – Nhon Trach 3 and 4 – out of the 16 projects outlined in the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8). Furthermore, LNG power projects have reported to face significant challenges, including difficulties in negotiating power purchase agreements, securing financing, and managing risks associated with LNG price volatility.

Given these challenges, in February 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade issued the memorandum on the “Adjustment of the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-2030 Period, with a Vision to 2050” to revise project timelines and ensure alignment with Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8)[5].

LNG power projects plan under adjusted PDP VIII in 2025

No. Project name Location Capacity

(MW)

Current situation Expected finish in PDP8
1 Nhon Trach 3 power plant Dong Nai 812 In operation 2024 – 2025
2 Nhon Trach 4 power plant Dong Nai 812 In operation 2024 – 2025
3 LNG Hiep Phuoc Phase 1 Ho Chi Minh 1,200 In construction 2029 – 2030
4 LNG Quang Trach II Quang Binh 1,500 Under feasibility research 2029 – 2030
5 LNG Long An I Long An 1,500 Securing funding 2027 – 2029
6 LNG Bac Lieu Bac Lieu 3,200 Securing funding 2027 – 2029
7 BOT Son My II power plant Quang Ngai 2,250 Feasibility research under evaluation 2027 – 2029
8 BOT Son My I power plant Quang Ngai 2,250 Feasibility research under evaluation 2028 – 2029
9 LNG Quang Ninh Quang Ninh 1,500 Feasibility research under evaluation 2028 – 2029
10 LNG Hai Lang Phase 1 Quang Tri 1,500 Under feasibility research 2029
11 LNG Thai Binh Thai Binh 1,500 Selecting the investor 2029 – 2030
12 LNG Nghi Son Thanh Hoa 1,500 Selecting the investor 2029 – 2030
13 LNG Ca Na Ninh Thuan 1,500 Selecting the investor 2029 – 2030
14 LNG Quynh Lap Nghe An 1,500 Selecting the investor 2029 – 2030
15 LNG Long Son Ba Ria – Vung Tau 1,500 No investor assigned 2031 – 2035
16 LNG Long An II Long An 1,500 Investor assigned 2031 – 2035

Sign in or register for free to continue reading.

Related article

SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER