Towards developing clean energy and renewable energy

With the advantage of more than 130km of coastline, Vinh Long promises to become a clean energy center in the southern coastal region. At the same time, it is expected to play an inter-regional connecting role, contributing to national energy security and environmental protection in the future.

Great potential for development

With the advantage of more than 130km of coastline, Vinh Long has great potential to develop clean energy in the southern coastal region. Photo: KHÁNH DUY

After the merger, Vinh Long owns a natural area of nearly 6,300km² and a population of over 4.2 million people. Located in the center of the Mekong Delta, the province plays an important role as a bridge between Ho Chi Minh City and coastal provinces in the region. With a dense river network and a developed waterway and road transport system, Vinh Long is not only convenient for trade but also creates conditions for regional connectivity, promoting socio -economic development in the Southern region.

The province is currently operating power plants with a total capacity of over 5,400MW, including 4,500MW from thermal power; 13 wind power plants with a total capacity of 572MW, 2 solar power plants with a capacity of 189MW and rooftop solar power with a capacity of over 164MW; and is implementing 14 more projects with a capacity of 1,100MW.

According to Power Plan VIII, by 2030, Vinh Long will continue to develop 14 more renewable energy projects with a capacity of 1,100 MW; especially offshore wind power potential with a capacity of over 17,500 MW.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vinh (University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City) said that according to the Vietnam Wind Atlas 2022, the coastal areas of Duyen Hai - Cau Ngang (formerly Tra Vinh ) and Binh Dai (formerly Ben Tre) have an average wind speed of 7.0-7.5 m/s at an altitude of 100m, among the highest in the Mekong Delta. Solar energy is also feasible with an average radiation of 4.8-5.0 kWh/m2/day, suitable for reservoirs and coastal alluvial areas...

Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan - Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade said that after the merger, Vinh Long owns a particularly favorable coastal geographical location, being the gateway connecting the southwestern coastal region and the East Sea. This is an ideal condition for developing renewable energy sources, especially offshore wind power and large-scale solar power.

Clean energy development

Vinh Long also has nearly 1,000 rooftop solar power systems that produce and consume electricity themselves. Photo: TRAN PHUOC

The province has approved 53 wind power projects in the power development plan, with a total development capacity of 4,209 MW by 2030, 5 concentrated solar power systems with a capacity of 339 MW, 3 biomass power plants with a capacity of 45 MW, 3 waste-to-energy plants with a capacity of more than 30 MW. Currently, the province has put into operation 13 wind power plants with a total capacity of 572 MW, 2 solar power projects with a capacity of 189 MW, 4,417 rooftop solar power systems, with a total installed capacity of 163.8 MW. In addition, there are nearly 1,000 rooftop solar power systems that produce and consume electricity with a capacity of up to tens of MW, contributing to creating green energy sources and promoting local economic development.

Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan added that in addition to the projects that have been operating, the province is coordinating to support investors in implementing 14 transitional wind power projects with a total capacity of about 1,100 MW. In addition, there are 8 projects of 365 MW calling for investment and 18 projects of 2,142 MW undergoing pre-feasibility studies. “These projects will help increase the proportion of renewable electricity from the current 17% to about 31% by 2026, which is an important step towards forming an ecosystem of supporting industries, energy logistics and creating high-tech jobs, contributing to the goal of “net zero” by 2050,” said Mr. Tuan.

Vinh Long also has 8 projects with a total capacity of 365MW that are carrying out procedures in the stage of preparing documents to invite investors. In addition, 18 projects (approved in the Power Plan VIII and Power Plan VIII adjustment), with a total capacity of 2,142 MW, are allowing investors to study and prepare pre-feasibility reports. These groups of projects show that the locality is rapidly shifting from potential to actual capacity, especially in the offshore wind power segment.

To accelerate the development of clean energy, renewable energy and turn Vinh Long into the energy center of the region, Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan said that the locality will coordinate with departments and branches to remove difficulties for projects that have investors and are being implemented. The province will prepare a dossier inviting interest to select experienced and capable investors to act as a driving force to promote other projects.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vinh (University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City): Regarding the development of marine and coastal renewable energy, Vinh Long needs to prioritize licensing and implementing offshore wind power projects in areas with wind speeds of ≥ 7m/s according to the National Wind Map, with a total target capacity of 1,000MW by 2030. Encourage the development of floating solar power in reservoirs and coastal alluvial areas, combined with aquaculture or agricultural production. At the same time, research and test wave and tidal energy in the Cung Hau and Dinh An estuaries. In particular, build a center for maintenance and repair of wind turbines and solar power equipment to serve the entire Mekong Delta region...

It is known that the province is submitting to the Government to complete the synchronization of the Provincial Planning with sectoral planning such as marine space, transmission grid, industrial zones and clusters. This will create conditions for renewable energy projects, especially offshore wind power, to be implemented quickly and effectively. At the same time, the province is also coordinating with the Southern Power Corporation and investors to build transmission grid projects to improve the stability of power supply. This is also an important solution to release the capacity of renewable energy sources. "Currently, many projects are still stuck with grid connection, electricity purchase price, environmental procedures and clean land arrangement. The province will propose to the Central Government to pilot a key coastal renewable energy area with outstanding incentive mechanisms, shortening the connection process and sharing risks for investors," said Mr. Tuan.

KHANH DUY

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/202508/huong-den-phat-trien-nang-luong-sach-nang-luong-tai-tao-f101409/