Recently, a delegation of Vietnam Electricity (EVN) led by Vice President Dinh Quang Tri has had a meeting with the People’s Committee of Binh Phuoc province on sites to be proposed for research and development of solar energy in the province. The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee welcomed and worked with the delegation.
Solar energy projects have been extensively developing in many countries in the world, particularly in developing countries. It is envisaged by the Government of Vietnam that about 12,000 MW of solar power covering around 1,790 ha of land area will be installed from now on until 2030. To this end, EVN plans to invest in one or two solar power projects in each province which then will be connected to the 220 kV power grid.
According to a survey conducted by the Hydropower Project Management Board No.6 (EVN), three potential sites located in Binh Phuoc province have been pinpointed for solar energy development, which are Loc Thinh commune, Loc Ninh district with the surface of approximately 200 ha and expected capacity of 130 MW; Loc Thạnh commune, Loc Ninh district with the surface of approximately 450 ha and expected capacity of 350 MW; and Tan Thanh commune, Bu Dop district with the surface of approximately 300 ha and expected capacity of 200 MW.
At the meeting, Mr. Dinh Quang Tri said that Binh Phuoc province has a large potential for renewable energy development. At present, EVN is likely to raise about USD 1 billion for investing in and developing these energy sources. However, the predominant challenge for the time being is that no land areas have been found suitable for project development. Mr. Tri recommended that Binh Phuoc province should consider and permit EVN to develop these projects in the province, at the same time EVN shall extend the largest support to the province for project development.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Mr. Huynh Anh Minh confirmed that solar energy development and high technology agricultural development are the key development policies of the province. Vice Chairman Huynh Anh Minh requested the relevant provincial departments and agencies under the People’s Committee to establish a joint working group who will cooperate with EVN and the localities in conducting survey and investigation activities at these potential sites for project development. Based on the survey’s outcomes, the Provincial People’s Committee in consultation with the Permanent Provincial Party Committee shall consider and decide investment policies of these projects.