Automation Partnership for Vietnamese Hydropower Plants

Valmet Oyj and Industries Equipment and Solution Company Ltd are working together to supply and implement mission-critical automation systems for two run-of-river hydropower plants under construction in central Vietnam, supporting reliable renewable electricity generation.

Context of the Cooperation
Valmet is an international supplier of automation and control technologies for energy and process industries, while IESC is a Vietnamese engineering company specializing in electrical and automation systems for power plants. In this project, IESC acts as Valmet’s local partner and contractual interface toward the EPC contractor responsible for the Daklo hydropower developments.

The cooperation addresses the technical and organizational complexity of deploying advanced automation systems in geographically remote hydropower sites while ensuring compliance with grid requirements, plant safety standards, and long-term maintainability. Combining Valmet’s hydropower automation expertise with IESC’s local engineering, integration, and lifecycle support capabilities reduces project risk during construction and commissioning.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
The delivery scope covers Valmet Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and electric governor controls for Daklo 1 (12 MW) and Daklo 3 (22 MW). The automation architecture integrates turbine control, generator supervision, plant interlocking, alarm management, and real-time monitoring into a unified control platform.

Valmet is responsible for system engineering, automation design, core control software, and functional performance of the DCS and governor controls. IESC manages local project coordination, integration with balance-of-plant systems, on-site installation support, and interfaces with the EPC contractor and plant owner.

The control system regulates turbine speed and output, manages start-up and shutdown sequences, and maintains stable operation under variable water flow conditions, which is critical for run-of-river hydropower plants.

Deployment and Implementation
The automation systems are being implemented as part of the plant construction phase in Kon Plong Ward, Quang Ngai Province. Engineering, supply, and commissioning activities are aligned with the overall EPC schedule. Daklo 1 is planned to be handed over at the end of 2026, followed by Daklo 3 in spring 2027, coinciding with commercial operation targets.

The solution is designed to integrate with existing electrical infrastructure and grid connection systems, supporting standardized interfaces commonly used in hydropower automation and industrial automation environments.

Applications and Expected Impact
The cooperation targets small-to-medium hydropower generation, contributing clean electricity to Vietnam’s national grid. By optimizing turbine control and water utilization, the automation system supports stable power output, operational efficiency, and safe plant operation. Long-term lifecycle support through the local partner is intended to improve maintainability and reduce downtime over the plants’ operational life.

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