Valmet Oyj has been selected to supply advanced automation systems for the Daklo 1 and Daklo 3 hydropower plants in Vietnam’s Quang Ngai Province. These run-of-river projects are being developed by Daklo 1-3 Power Company Limited and are currently under construction in Kon Plong Ward. The plants are scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2027, contributing clean and stable electricity to Vietnam’s national grid.

Project Overview: Automation Backbone for Daklo Hydropower

Valmet Oyj has been selected to supply advanced automation systems for the Daklo 1 and Daklo 3 hydropower plants in Vietnam’s Quang Ngai Province. These run-of-river projects are being developed by Daklo 1-3 Power Company Limited and are currently under construction in Kon Plong Ward. The plants are scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2027, contributing clean and stable electricity to Vietnam’s national grid.

From an automation engineering perspective, this project highlights the increasing importance of robust digital control architectures in medium-scale renewable energy assets.

Scope of Supply: DCS and Governor Control Systems

Valmet’s delivery scope includes distributed control systems (DCS) and electric governor control solutions for both hydropower stations. The systems will be responsible for real-time control, monitoring, and optimization of core hydropower processes, including turbine regulation, water flow management, and operational safety functions.

In addition to hardware and software, Valmet will provide full lifecycle services covering engineering, system design, integration, testing, and commissioning—an approach that significantly reduces long-term operational risk for the plant owner.

Role of Local Partnership and EPC Coordination

The order was placed by Industries Equipment and Solution Company Ltd (IESC), Valmet’s local partner in Vietnam, which has signed a contract with the project’s EPC contractor. This local-global collaboration model is particularly effective in emerging hydropower markets, where local regulatory compliance, site conditions, and response time are critical success factors.

In my experience, automation projects with strong local system integrators consistently achieve faster commissioning and smoother long-term support compared to purely offshore delivery models.

Technical Value: Efficiency, Reliability, and Water Optimization

According to Valmet, the automation solution is designed to optimize water balance while maximizing energy output and operational efficiency. For run-of-river plants—where water availability fluctuates—this capability is essential.

Well-designed DCS and governor systems can significantly improve turbine efficiency, reduce mechanical stress, and enhance grid stability. Over the plant lifecycle, these benefits translate directly into higher availability, lower maintenance costs, and improved return on investment.

Plant Capacities and Project Timeline

Daklo 1 will have an installed capacity of 12 MW, while Daklo 3 is designed for 22 MW. System deliveries are planned for late 2026, with Daklo 1 handed over by the end of that year and Daklo 3 in spring 2027.

The contract is included in Valmet’s fourth-quarter 2025 order intake, although the total contract value has not been disclosed.

Expert Insight: Why Automation Matters in Modern Hydropower

From an industrial automation standpoint, hydropower plants are no longer just mechanical assets—they are cyber-physical systems. Advanced automation enables predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and future integration with digital energy management platforms.

Valmet’s approach reflects a broader industry trend: hydropower operators are increasingly investing in automation not only for control, but for long-term operational intelligence and sustainability compliance.

Supporting Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Transition

This project underscores Valmet’s commitment to Vietnam’s renewable energy sector and reinforces hydropower’s role as a stable backbone for the country’s evolving energy mix. With strong automation foundations and local lifecycle support, Daklo 1 and Daklo 3 are positioned for reliable, long-term operation.

For engineers and asset owners alike, this project is a clear example of how modern automation strategy directly supports national energy goals.

Tags

Distributed Control System Hydropower Automation Renewable Energy Vietnam

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