Dak Nong to accelerate land clearance for wind power projects

Dak Nong province is trying to resolve land issues surrounding wind power projects

According to Ho Van Muoi, Chairman of Dak Nong People’s Committee, the investors of wind power projects in Dak Song district and other districts are facing numerous difficulties and challenges in project implementation.

Notably, the People’s Committee of Dak Song district have made an effort to clear land for wind farms, however, the coordination remains lacking between the local authorities and investors. Besides, land management is not strict enough, as a result of which numerous illegal building works were implemented in the corridor of high voltage lines.

Chairman Muoi asked the People’s Committees of Dak Song, Tuy Duc, and Dak R’lap districts to co-operate with investors on land clearance. The investors have to complete compensation and support impacted households. Local authorities have been directed to crack down on illegal activities, including houses and other buildings constructed on the project land.

Chairman Muoi asked localities to ensure land for project implementation and approve the development of 220kV and 35kV lines.

Dak N'drung Dak Nong Energy One Member Co., Ltd., Nam Binh Wind Farm JSC, and Dak Nong Quang Minh Wind Power Ltd. have been directed to complete the final procedures related to construction and land. These investors also have to complete land lease procedures soon.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with proposing specific policies and mechanisms to deal with unprecedented difficulties facing wind farm projects in Dak Song. The proposals will have to be completed before October 5.

According to a report by Dak Nong People’s Committee, numerous wind farms are running behind the construction schedule due to the challenges in land clearance. For instance, a 430MW wind farm with a total investment capital of VND15 trillion ($652.17 million)is scheduled to be put into operation this November,however, construction work is only 20-30 per cent complete due to land clearance, compensation, and land lease issues.

At present, six wind farms are being constructed in the province, including Dak N’Drung 1, Dak N’Drung 2, and Dak N’Drung 3 with the total capacity of 300MW, Asian Dak Song 1 (50MW), Dak Hoa (50MW) and Binh 1 (30MW).