Solar power project on Ngan Truoi–Cam Trang Irrigation Canal in Vu Quang Commune, Ha Tinh Province.

The project is invested by Agricultural Mechanical Construction Corporation – JSC (Agrimeco) and has been implemented on the infrastructure of the Ngan Truoi–Cam Trang Irrigation Canal. According to the investor, this is the first solar power project installed on an irrigation canal in Vietnam. The project aims to utilize the canal surface for renewable energy generation while maintaining the irrigation system's water supply function.

Construction began in June 2025. The project covers an area of approximately 7,500 square meters, extending over a 564-meter section of the canal. The system is supported by a steel load-bearing structure mounted on bored pile foundations, ensuring that neither the water flow nor the operation of the canal is affected.

The photovoltaic panels are installed at a tilt angle of 10 degrees, suitable for the solar irradiation conditions in Vietnam's Central Region. The project is connected to the 35kV power grid through a synchronized substation and transmission line.

According to the investor, after nearly one year of operation, the system has maintained stable performance and met all technical and safety requirements. The implementation of this model also helps evaluate the feasibility of utilizing existing irrigation infrastructure for solar power development.

Photovoltaic panels installed above canal surface, ensuring that they do not affect water flow or operation of irrigation infrastructure.

Compared with ground-mounted solar power projects, solar power systems installed on irrigation canals offer several advantages. They do not require large areas of additional land, thereby reducing the need for land clearance and minimizing impacts on agricultural land. The photovoltaic panels installed above the canal can also help reduce water evaporation during periods of hot weather. Conversely, the water beneath the panels provides natural cooling, which can help improve the operating efficiency of the photovoltaic modules and extend the service life of the equipment. This is one of the technical advantages that has attracted the attention of energy experts when evaluating the irrigation canal solar power model.

Preliminary surveys indicate that the main irrigation canal network in Ha Tinh Province alone has the potential to support solar power development with a total installed capacity of approximately 630MW. Subject to comprehensive studies and assessments of technical feasibility, irrigation operations, grid connection, and economic efficiency, this model could become a new approach to utilizing existing irrigation infrastructure.

Translator: Vân Ly