Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Ninh Thuan (VNA) – The south-central coastal province of Ninh Thuan is calling for investment in renewable energy development, aiming to turn itself into a clean energy hub of the country.
Ninh Thuan boasts great potential for wind and solar power as wind speed in the province averages 7.5 metres per second - the highest in the country, and it has 2,600-2,800 hours of sunlight each year.
Under the province’s wind power development plan in the 2011-2020 period, the locality has five areas eligible for wind power projects with a total area of 21,432 ha, expected to produce 1,429 MW of electricity.
According to Truong Xuan Vy, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, investors registered to develop 13 wind electricity projects worth over 40.5 trillion VND (over 1.78 billion USD) in the locality, but construction began on only three of them.
They include the over 1.47 trillion VND (64.5 million USD) Mui Dinh plant in Thuan Nam district, 3.78 trillion VND (nearly 166 million USD) Trung Nam plant in Thuan Bac district, and the Cong Hai 1 plant with an investment of 190 billion VND (8.3 million USD) in Thuna Bac district. These projects are scheduled to be put into operation in 2017.
Besides, about 20 investors who are interested in developing solar power projects have come to seek investment opportunities in Ninh Thuan.
The Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) is also implementing a four-turbine hydropower plant project with a combined capacity of 1,200 MW in Bac Ai district. The project is hoped to be completed in 2029.
To encourage wind power development, the local authorities plans to give tax incentives to investors and supported them in land clearance.
Attention will be paid to calling for investment in support industries such as manufacturing equipment for wind and solar power sectors.
Vietnam has enormous solar potential, especially in its central and southern regions. Its government has recognised this potential and aims to significantly increase renewable energy production, including wind and solar power.
EVN plans to mobilise total investment up to 1 billion USD for energy development, focusing on wind and solar energy projects.-VNA
VNA
