Potential to become a regional energy connectivity hub

With great advantages because it is located in the sunny and windy Central Highlands, and has a coastal area full of sunshine, high solar radiation, and a rich system of waterfalls, rivers and lakes, Gia Lai converges many ideal conditions for developing renewable energy. With an average solar radiation of 4.6 - 5.2 kWh/m²/day, and sunshine hours of 1,900 - 2,200 hours/year, the province is especially favorable for ground-mounted and floating solar power projects in large irrigation and hydroelectric reservoirs such as Ia Ly, Se San, Ia Mor... The average wind speed of 6 - 7 m/s opens up the potential for wind power development in Kong Chro, Chu Prong, Mang Yang, Van Canh; the 134 km long coastline is also very favorable for offshore wind power.

In parallel, the dense hydropower system on the Se San and Ba rivers helps Gia Lai gain more advantages in green power sources. The total renewable energy potential of the whole province is estimated at about 23,000 MW, of which according to the Power Plan VIII, more than 9,600 MW has been included in the development plan. This is the foundation for Gia Lai to affirm its position as the clean energy center of the Central Highlands.

In particular, with its strategic location, located at the gateway to the Central Highlands, adjacent to the Central Coast and having the East-West corridor connecting with Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, Gia Lai province not only plays an important role in the national energy map, but also has the potential to become a regional energy connection center.

In order to share experiences, visions and solutions for sustainable green energy development, while promoting potential and attracting investment, speaking at the Workshop "Unleashing Future Energy", Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan emphasized: "Gia Lai is focusing on accelerating the implementation of approved projects, selecting capable investors, striving to start the entire project in 2025 and from 2027 will have the first electricity according to Power Plan VIII connected to the grid".

To date, the province has had 61 hydropower projects (2,736 MW), 17 wind power projects (916 MW), 7 solar power projects (590 MWp) and 2 biomass power projects (130 MW) put into commercial operation. These figures demonstrate Gia Lai's determination and capacity in transitioning to a green energy economy .

Aiming for a “Clean Energy Industrial Hub”

According to Mr. Tang The Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Electricity and Renewable Energy ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ): Gia Lai has emerged as a strategic locality, fully converging the conditions to become a renewable energy center of the Central Highlands and the whole country. In particular, Gia Lai has launched a Center for Training and Development of Renewable Energy Human Resources with the participation of GEO Group (Federal Republic of Germany) and O-DOOR Vietnam Co., Ltd. This is a pioneering step, laying the foundation for the locality to become a center for training renewable energy human resources for the Southeast Asian region.

“Gia Lai will soon become a bright spot in clean energy development in Vietnam. The success of projects here will contribute significantly to the goals of energy security, green growth and the Net Zero 2050 commitment,” said Mr. Tang The Hung.

Besides the advantages, Gia Lai also faces many challenges: the transmission system is not yet synchronized, many projects have to wait for capacity clearance; the policy mechanism needs to be improved; land, environmental issues and people's consensus need to be handled harmoniously. In particular, the requirement for large investment capital, high technology and high-quality human resources remains a significant barrier.

However, with the political determination of the provincial leaders, the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and international partners, Gia Lai has the basis to realize the goal of becoming the clean energy industrial center of the Central Highlands, making an important contribution to the national energy picture in the period 2025 - 2030 and beyond.

Lam Vien

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/gia-lai-huong-den-tro-thanh-trung-tam-nang-luong-sach-mien-trung-tay-nguyen-2460497.html