Renewable energy development: "Paving the way" for large projects

(GLO)- With the advantage of being “rich in wind and sunshine”, Gia Lai province has become a bright spot in renewable energy development in the Central Highlands. Over the past 5 years, a series of wind power, solar power, hydropower, and biomass power projects have been deployed, turning natural potential into a driving force for green growth.

This is a strategic step for the province to realize the double-digit economic development target for the 2026-2030 period.

Rising to the center of renewable energy

In the past 5 years, many key energy projects have been put into operation, typically 4 wind power plants with a capacity of 244.5 MW including: Hung Hai Gia Lai (96 MW), Ia Le 1 (52.8 MW), Ia Pech 2 (49.5 MW) and Song An (46.2 MW). Along with that, Ialy hydropower plant with a capacity of 360 MW has been connected to the national grid, affirming the pivotal role of hydropower in the energy system.

Ia Pet Wind Power Plant Number Two is operating in Ia Bang commune. Photo: Hai Yen

In particular, 11 solar power projects with a total capacity of 840.24 MW have been deployed, notably the KN Ia Ly Plant (400 MW), the largest project in the Central Highlands, Krong Pa 2 (39.2 MW) and Phu Thien (32 MW). In addition, biomass and waste-to-energy projects such as An Khe expansion (40 MW) and Long My (15 MW) also contribute to diversifying clean energy sources, utilizing agricultural by-products and treating waste.

Along with developing power sources, the province has focused on investing in grid infrastructure. Up to now, 5 transformer station and 500 kV and 220 kV transmission line projects have been put into operation, including Nhon Hoa 500 kV Station, An Khe 220 kV Station and Chu Se. This system not only relieves the capacity of wind and solar power plants but also ensures safe supply for production and daily life.

According to the Adjusted Power Plan VIII approved by the Prime Minister, the total capacity of renewable energy projects in the province in the period 2025-2030 is about 6,537 MW (including: large hydropower 610 MW, medium hydropower 40 MW, small hydropower 320 MW, concentrated solar power 1,530 MW, rooftop solar power 146 MW, onshore wind power 3,581 MW, waste-to-energy 75 MW, biomass power 221 MW, battery storage system 14 MW). This is the largest-scale plan ever, distributed in the province, opening up room for sustainable development for the whole region.

Mr. Tran Thuc Kham - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade - affirmed: "Green energy helps Gia Lai to exploit its natural advantages to the fullest, and is also a field that attracts strong investment capital flows. We are determined to implement the Resolution on developing renewable energy, associated with the target of double-digit economic growth in the period 2026-2030".

Green growth momentum for the new phase

Up to now, Gia Lai has attracted 44 wind power projects with a capacity of over 3,336 MW, 24 solar power projects of 1,530 MW, 34 hydropower projects of 457 MW, 3 biomass power projects of 102 MW and 5 waste power projects of 75 MW. Along with that, many very large-scale projects are waiting to be deployed, such as Hon Trau wind power (750 MW), Van Canh 1 and 2 (340 MW), or the Nhon Hoa 1, 2 and 1A solar power project cluster combined with storage batteries (nearly 190 MW).

Phu My Solar Power Plant is a large-scale photovoltaic project invested by Clean Energy Vision Joint Stock Company under Bamboo Capital Group. Photo: Hai Yen

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Phuong - Deputy Executive Director of Ia Pet Wind Power Plant Number One and Ia Pet Wind Power Plant Number Two (Power Construction Joint Stock Company 1, Ia Bang Commune) shared: “Gia Lai has an average wind speed of 6-7 m/s, which is very favorable for exploiting large capacity. We have put Ia Pet Wind Power Plant Number One and Ia Pet Wind Power Plant Number Two into operation since the end of October 2021 and have been quite effective. With the support of the government, we believe this place will be an attractive destination in the field of renewable energy”.

According to statistics, in addition to completed projects, the province also has 20 wind power projects with a capacity of 2,055 MW and 6 solar power projects with a capacity of nearly 310 MW that are in the process of completing investment procedures. This confirms the great interest of the business community in the clean energy sector.

However, developing renewable energy also poses challenges. That is, the progress of investment in the transmission grid is not synchronized, leading to the risk of overload when many projects are operating at the same time. Some projects are stuck in land use planning, needing to be adjusted to comply with the Power Plan VIII. The Provincial People's Committee has proposed the Government to allow flexible project implementation, and at the same time add to the Provincial Plan when conditions are met.

Mr. Tran Thuc Kham further emphasized: With a long-term vision, the province orients green energy as a pillar of economic development. Clean electricity not only ensures national energy security but also opens up opportunities for the province to make a breakthrough, achieving a double-digit GRDP growth rate in the period 2026-2030. Wind power fields in Ia Pa, Mang Yang, Chu Prong or solar power farms in Krong Pa, Phu Thien... have now become symbols of dynamism, sustainability and aspiration.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/phat-trien-nang-luong-tai-tao-mo-duong-cho-nhung-du-an-lon-post568782.html