Small hydropower will be considered when amending the Electricity Law in 2026
Discussing in the hall about the draft Resolution of the National Assembly on mechanisms and policies for national energy development in the period of 2026 - 2030 on the afternoon of December 8, National Assembly delegates said that this Resolution is of important significance, aiming to create a new institutional space for energy development in the period of 2026 - 2030, especially outstanding mechanisms to remove bottlenecks in investment in power sources, power grids, energy storage infrastructure and new energy development.
This demonstrates the Government 's bold pioneering spirit, but some key issues need to be improved.
Delegate Nguyen Anh Tri, Hanoi delegation. (Photo: National Assembly)
Contributing to the discussion, delegate Nguyen Anh Tri, Hanoi delegation, said that the Resolution has not mentioned the issue of hydropower, specifically small and medium hydropower; and especially its flood discharge consequences. After a series of recent record floods, the Resolution needs to demonstrate the content: "If you build hydropower, it must be safe, if it is not safe, you should definitely not do it!".
The delegate said that the issue of small and medium hydropower plants has not received due attention, especially the safety of the people and the community. The delegate proposed to review all small and medium hydropower plants in our country to overcome the causes of flood discharge that cause bad consequences. If any hydropower plant cannot overcome the cause, it should be closed down. If flood discharge causes damage to people, it must be compensated appropriately; if it causes harm to people's lives, it must be criminally prosecuted.
“It is recommended that small hydropower plants should not be built in mountainous areas with steep terrain and many streams; there is no advanced and safe operating process; and in general, it is necessary to limit the construction of small hydropower plants in our country. Instead of building small and medium hydropower plants, we should build wind and solar power - renewable energy in which Vietnam has many advantages and has made many technological advances,” delegate Nguyen Anh Tri proposed.
Explaining the opinions of the delegates, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that, up to now, we have had current regulations of relevant laws that are relatively suitable. Small hydropower is a long-term project. This is not an urgent project, so the drafting agency respectfully accepts the opinions of the delegates. At the same time, small hydropower will be mentioned in the review and amendment of the Electricity Law, expected to be implemented in 2026.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien. (Photo: National Assembly)
Offshore wind power - must do but cautiously
Regarding offshore wind power, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien said that the current legal policies are sufficient. The price framework for offshore wind power has been issued since June 2020. Accordingly, the regulations clearly stipulate the price mechanism between the 3 regions, corresponding to the potential strengths of offshore wind power.
We have huge offshore wind power potential with nearly 3,000 km of coastline, so there are many places we can develop. However, this is a new type of energy that we have never done before. Besides, this type is also linked to national security and many other issues at sea.
According to the Minister of Industry and Trade, the country runs from North to South and has only one outlet to the sea. Imagine if all this coastline developed offshore wind power and in the future, external factors would be very involved. So, in special situations, how do we handle it?
“The viewpoint of the Government in general and the drafting agency in particular is to be extremely cautious, to both exploit potential strengths and to draw necessary lessons for development step by step. If we go too far, it will be very difficult to take the next step, not simple at all,” Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized.
Earlier, delegates said that energy is the lifeblood of the economy. In the context of the approaching Net Zero commitment by 2050 and the increasing demand for electricity, we need bold but scientific "pushes".
Empowering the private sector to participate in the energy sector demonstrates the National Assembly's trust in the capacity of Vietnamese businesses, and affirms our determination to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Delegate Ha Sy Dong, Quang Tri delegation. (Photo: National Assembly)
Delegate Ha Sy Dong, Quang Tri delegation proposed to shorten the time for granting survey permits; unify the application form; add criteria to evaluate investor capacity for large-scale projects; and identify a central agency to act as the focal point for coordinating offshore wind power development.
Delegate Nguyen Hai Nam, Hue City delegation also proposed to develop a price mechanism and a model contract suitable for offshore wind power, competitive and reasonable bidding, ensuring competitiveness and attractiveness, and being able to flexibly adjust according to technology and project scale. At the same time, develop a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with risk assurance clauses such as suspension/deflation clauses, helping investors easily mobilize capital from international financial institutions.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/dbqh-da-lam-thuy-dien-la-phai-an-toan-khong-an-toan-dut-khoat-khong-nen-lam-ar991795.html
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