Sustainable energy development

Energy development has been identified as a strategic direction in Thai Nguyen province, aiming to ensure a safe and stable electricity supply for industry, urban areas, and people's lives, while effectively exploiting renewable energy sources and striving for green growth. After five years of implementing Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW dated February 11, 2020, of the Politburo, these objectives have been gradually concretized, aligning with the province's socio-economic development realities.

The An Khánh Thermal Power Plant contributes to ensuring a stable power supply for industrial and urban development in the province. Photo: Archival material.

Energy management is one step ahead.

Currently, Thai Nguyen receives electricity from five 220kV substations: Thai Nguyen, Luu Xa, Phu Binh, Phu Binh 2, and Bac Kan, with a total capacity of 2,375MW, along with 11 220kV transmission lines approximately 330km long. In addition, the province also receives supplementary power from the 220kV Soc Son substation (3x250 MVA), thus forming a synchronized interconnected system and improving the reliability of electricity supply to the region.

Along with the transmission system, Thai Nguyen currently has 7 small hydropower plants (Ta Lang, Thuong An, Nam Cat, Thac Gieng 1, Pac Cap, Khuoi Thoc, Nui Coc Lake) with a total capacity of 26.49MW, and 2 large thermal power plants, Cao Ngan and An Khanh, with a total capacity of 230MW.

Among them, the An Khanh I Thermal Power Plant plays a prominent role. With a capacity of 120MW from 2 units, it is the first large-scale thermal power plant invested by the private sector in Vietnam. This project contributes to ensuring a stable power supply for industrial zones and areas within the province, and is also an important link in the regional power grid.

Thai Nguyen Power Company always strives to serve and meet the ever-increasing electricity needs of its customers.

A key aspect of state management is the timely provision of advice and resolution of obstacles for projects, from the appraisal and licensing of electricity operations to pre-feasibility study documents for solar and hydropower projects.

In addition, the province is focusing on surveying and developing plans for rural electrification, aiming to eliminate all villages and hamlets without access to the national power grid. This is a crucial step in narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring electricity reaches every remote village and hamlet, and serving the lives of the people.

Comrade Pham Van Tho, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, emphasized: Electricity not only serves the lives of the people but is also a key factor in promoting industrial development. Implementing Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW of the Politburo , the province has determined that energy management must be one step ahead, aiming to ensure a safe, stable, and sustainable electricity supply for both industrial zones and rural areas.

Removing obstacles and accelerating project progress.

According to statistics, the province currently has 28 power grid and power generation projects underway, including 21 transmission projects from 110kV to 500kV and 7 hydropower projects. Of these, 4 projects have been completed with a total investment of 850.3 billion VND, contributing to strengthening the transmission system and ensuring stable electricity supply. This is a positive start, creating additional energy infrastructure capacity to serve industrial development and improve people's lives.

The Nam Cat 2 hydroelectric power plant is being completed rapidly, promising to supplement the local electricity supply.

One notable project is the Nam Cat 2 hydropower plant, invested by Hydropower Company 69, located in Duong Quang and Dong Phuc communes, with a total investment of nearly 170 billion VND. The plant has an installed capacity of 5MW, an average annual electricity output of 15.23 million kWh, and includes a reservoir, a power plant with two generating units, a 35kV substation, and over 4.5km of transmission lines connecting to the 110kV Cho Don power grid. Currently, the company is focusing on construction to bring the plant into operation soon, supplementing the local clean energy supply.

However, the province still has 24 projects with a total capital of over 7,810 billion VND under construction, requiring even more decisive action in resolving obstacles to ensure progress. Faced with difficulties in land clearance, capital, and procedures, the province has applied a "one-stop shop" mechanism and strengthened coordination between departments, agencies, and localities. As a result, many obstacles have been removed, creating favorable conditions for investors to accelerate progress.

Besides the projects currently underway, the province has 17 other projects under study and open for investment. These are considered important resources for the coming period, in line with the trend of developing renewable energy, reducing emissions, and using energy efficiently.

The Na Phac 110kV substation has a capacity of 25MVA and is connected by nearly 15km of power lines.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tiep, representative of Thien Long Wind Power Joint Stock Company, said: Thai Nguyen has geographical advantages and a rapidly developing industry, so the demand for electricity is always high. Investing in synchronized power grid projects will not only meet the needs within the province but also increase connectivity with the national power grid.

Currently, Thien Long Wind Power Joint Stock Company has been approved to survey an 858MW wind power project in the northern area of ​​Thai Nguyen province. They are in the process of installing wind measurement towers to assess the potential in detail and are coordinating with relevant authorities to implement the project.

Linking energy management with Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW has helped Thai Nguyen build a systematic development roadmap, ensuring both a stable power supply in the short term and laying the foundation for a long-term strategy. In the coming time, the province will prioritize completing transmission infrastructure, bringing key projects into operation on schedule, and expanding investment in renewable energy such as solar and wind power.

The synergy between modern infrastructure, effective management mechanisms, and the pioneering role of businesses is creating a solid foundation for Thai Nguyen to assert its position as a sustainable energy center in the northern midland and mountainous region, while making a practical contribution to the country's green growth goals.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202509/phat-trien-nang-luong-ben-vung-2f81611/