Removing obstacles for the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant project.

On the morning of November 3rd, Mr. Vuong Quoc Nam, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, along with representatives from relevant departments and agencies, held a working session with Vietnam Electricity Development Joint Stock Company (VNPD) regarding the implementation status of the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant Project (hereinafter referred to as the Project).

Scenes from the working session.

The Can Tho biomass power plant, located in Vinh Trinh commune, is invested in by Vietnam Electricity Development Joint Stock Company. The project has a capacity of 150MW, with a fuel demand of over 709,600 tons of rice husk per year.

According to VNPD representatives, the project applies circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler technology burning multiple biomass fuels (rice husk, wood, straw, etc.); a high-efficiency and modern technology; and environmental protection in accordance with new Vietnamese standards (emissions, wastewater, noise, etc.). When operational, the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant will be connected to the 110kV Vinh Thanh - Long Xuyen 2 transmission line.

In addition to creating jobs for approximately 200 local workers, ensuring stable output for about 100 rice milling businesses, contributing to the local budget and local development, the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant Project is also estimated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 565,593 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to the fulfillment of the NetZeron 2050 commitment, and effectively utilizing agricultural by-products.

The Can Tho Biomass Power Plant project is assessed as consistent with sectoral and local planning, does not overlap with existing plans, and meets the conditions for investment and construction. However, to control risks and gradually improve the fuel supply chain, the first phase of investment will have a capacity of approximately 50MW. After the plant operates stably and fuel supply is secured, the investor will consider expanding the investment to 150MW.

To ensure the progress of the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant Project aligns with the revised Power Plan VIII, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, General Director of Vietnam Electricity Development Corporation (VNPD), proposed that the People's Committee of Can Tho City approve VNPD's proposal for the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant Project at the reported location. This would serve as the basis for updating and adjusting the land use plan and related plans in the project area; VNPD would be allowed to acquire, contribute capital to, or lease agricultural land use rights to implement the Project (as stipulated in the 2024 Land Law); and the land use plan and related plans related to the Project would be adjusted.

The Can Tho Biomass Power Project is estimated to contribute to a reduction of over 565,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Assessing the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant Project as highly feasible in terms of economics , finance, environment, and addressing social issues, Mr. Vuong Quoc Nam, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, affirmed that the city supports and accompanies the enterprise in implementing the project.

However, the project still faces several obstacles: land issues, transportation location, construction planning, etc. To ensure the project is constructed, completed, and commercially operational as soon as possible, the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City has directed relevant departments and agencies to coordinate with the People's Committee of Can Tho to resolve these issues.

According to Mr. Vuong Quoc Nam, Can Tho city is aggressively promoting the integration of its urban planning. Based on this, some other related planning issues will be adjusted. Therefore, the Department of Industry and Trade must have a direction to integrate the Can Tho Biomass Power Plant Project into the city's planning for the period 2021-2030 and the vision to 2050.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Department of Industry and Trade and other relevant departments, will address the request to resolve difficulties regarding land use rights for the Project and other regulations related to land issues of Vietnam Electricity Development Joint Stock Company, and then report the results to the City People's Committee.

Vice Chairman Vuong Quoc Nam noted that the People's Committee of Can Tho City is open and transparent in implementing administrative procedures for investors, but the city must still ensure compliance with regulations on land, environment, and economics. This ensures both sustainable development for investors and effective state management in accordance with the law.

Can Tho City has 5 biomass power projects with a total capacity of 200MW; of which, 2 plants are already in commercial operation. The remaining three projects are in the process of selecting investors: Hau Giang Biomass Power Plant, Can Tho Biomass Power Plant, and Soc Trang Biomass Power Plant.

The city is encouraging and inviting clean energy projects, including biomass power, to ensure energy security and promote economic growth. Can Tho also focuses on attracting investors with modern technology to ensure that projects operate in a green, clean, and sustainable manner. The city is accelerating administrative reforms to create a favorable and flexible environment for investors.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/go-kho-cho-du-an-nha-may-dien-sinh-khoi-can-tho-20251103122621062.htm