Ninh Thuan’s role as renewables hub

Ninh Thuan province is strongly developing renewable energy projects

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and a government delegation recently inspected a number of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power projects in Ninh Thuan, and worked with the local People’s Committee on local renewable energy sources.

According to a recent report of the committee on electricity supply in the area, the commercial electricity implemented in 2018 reached 636.3 million kilowatt hours, up 11.5 per cent compared to 2017.

The annual average growth of commercial power output was 9.75 per cent in the 2011-2015 period, and 7.35 per cent for the 2016-2018 period.

By the end of September, the total capacity of the province’s renewable ­energy sources was about 1,150MW, divided into 1,040MW of solar power and 110MW of wind power.

According to the ­approved plan, the total ­capacity of power sources in Ninh Thuan by 2030 will reach just over 4,000MW, excluding the two nuclear power projects that had stopped implementation.

As of June 30, the province was home to 19 renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 1,050MW, including 15 solar power projects with a capacity of 970MW and four wind power plants with a capacity of 80MW.

Ninh Thuan is seeking approval to add its Ca Na Electricity Centre with a ­capacity of 6,000MW, ­including four gas power plants using imported liquefied natural gas, to the revised National Power Development Plan VII.

Regarding the past ­implementation of power grid projects from 2011 until present, the province has completed three power grid projects with a capacity of 220kV and five power grid projects with capacity of 110kV. In the time to come, it intends to invest in three 500kV, five 220kV, and six 110kV power grid projects.

DPM Dung praised Ninh Thuan’s authorities and people for their great efforts to ensure stable socio-economic development in all aspects.

Ninh Thuan has abounding advantages for the development of marine economy, renewable energy, tourism, and hi-tech agriculture, helping the province to woo more investors. Many large-scale projects are in the development pipeline to further boost socio-economic development.

According to the deputy prime minister, Ninh Thuan is making use of its potential for ­renewable energy development, mainly with wind and solar power. In just over a year, there have been more than 1,000MW of wind and solar energy added to the province’s capacity. As a result, the province has made remarkable contributions to ensuring national energy security and improving local socio-economic life.

Besides these achievements, Ninh Thuan still faces a host of difficulties, including moderating the capacity of renewable energy plants in the area.

“Ninh Thuan needs to further take advantage of opportunities, exploit these and overcome difficulties to forge ahead,” said DPM Dung.

The demand for electricity is continually increasing across the country, leading to mounting ­pressure to ­restructure power sources in the ­direction of prioritising the development of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power.

With its enormous potential, Ninh Thuan would grow into a major renewable energy hub for the whole nation.