Khanh Hoa 'removes difficulties' for 2 billion-dollar pumped-storage hydropower projects

The two Bac Ai and Phuoc Hoa pumped storage hydropower projects with a total capacity of 2,400 MW and a total investment of nearly VND44,000 billion are considered important pieces in the energy development strategy of the province and the South Central region in the coming time.

Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower project with a capacity of 1,200 MW and a total investment of more than VND 21,100 billion is under construction - Photo: DUC CUONG

On December 5, Mr. Trinh Minh Hoang - Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee - worked with Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) and Truong Thanh Construction and Development Investment Joint Stock Company to resolve the progress difficulties for two important energy projects: Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Project and Phuoc Hoa Pumped Storage Hydropower Project.

Both of these projects are being implemented in Bac Ai Tay commune, Khanh Hoa province.

2 billion dollar projects still have land clearance problems

Bac Ai Pumped Storage Hydropower Project is invested by Vietnam Electricity (EVN) with a capacity of 1,200 MW and a total investment of more than VND21,100 billion. This is also the first pumped storage hydropower project in Vietnam.

According to EVN, this project has been started (phase 2) since February 2025 and according to plan, unit 1 will generate electricity at the end of 2029, the remaining units will be completed in 2030 - 2031.

However, the progress of site clearance is a "difficult problem". The project needs to reclaim 106.4 hectares with 69 affected cases, including 3 organizations and 66 households.

Up to now, compensation has only been completed for 37 households and 2 organizations with a total area of ​​82.3 hectares. In addition, some areas located on the land of Tan Tien Forestry Company have also been supported with 1.35 billion VND to help people stabilize their lives.

However, in the third compensation period for the remaining 29 households, although nearly 6.6 billion VND has been approved for implementation, it still cannot be paid due to procedures to receive funds transferred to the state budget.

Construction unit digging tunnels through the mountain at Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower project - Photo: DUC CUONG

Meanwhile, the Phuoc Hoa pumped storage hydropower project is invested by Truong Thanh Construction and Development Investment Joint Stock Company, Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Korea) and a number of domestic investors.

This project has a total area of ​​87.5 hectares, capacity of 1,200 MW, total capital of 22,865 billion VND, expected to start construction at the end of 2025.

However, although some important procedures regarding topographic and geological surveys, agreeing on the direction of the connecting power line and preparing a feasibility study report have been completed, many other procedures regarding land, financial planning and some other problems have not been completed.

To avoid delays, the investor requested the province to allow early construction of auxiliary items such as offices, expert housing, warehouses, etc. on the agricultural land that the enterprise has transferred. At the same time, it hopes that the Provincial People's Committee and relevant departments will create legal conditions to organize the groundbreaking ceremony for the auxiliary items as soon as possible.

Speed ​​up the progress of bringing 2 projects to the finish line on schedule

Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower plant uses water from Song Cai lake, the largest irrigation lake in Khanh Hoa province - Photo: DUC CUONG

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Trinh Minh Hoang - Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee - emphasized that these are two important energy projects, which, when completed, will create momentum for the development of renewable energy forms in the province as well as the region.

Regarding the Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower project, Mr. Hoang requested the Provincial Land Fund Development Center to quickly open an account at the State Treasury to promptly receive site clearance funds for the remaining cases. At the same time, related units must coordinate closely and handle all arising procedures as quickly as possible to support investors to speed up progress.

In addition, Mr. Hoang also suggested that the investor of the Phuoc Hoa pumped storage hydropower project should show a more determined and proactive spirit in implementing the project. If necessary, they should boldly form joint ventures and associations to ensure the progress of the power generation project by 2030.

DUC CUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khanh-hoa-go-kho-cho-2-du-an-thuy-dien-tich-nang-ti-usd-20251205170858276.htm