Opportunities for wind power development

July 23, 2011 | 09:05

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Vietnam is boosting investment in developing wind power to replace exhaustible fossil fuels and protect the environment.

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According to a World Bank research, 8.6 per cent of Vietnam’s territory had potential for wind power development, with the areas having the greatest potential being Son Hai in central Ninh Thuan province, and Ham Tien and Mui Ne in central Binh Thuan province, as they have minimal storms and stable average wind speeds.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Energy Department said the nation now had 42 wind power projects, mainly in 12 provinces in central, central highlands and southeastern regions, with a total capacity of 3,906 MW.

However, there remained some obstacles to the further development of wind power.

Most localities had not yet developed specific plans and policies to tap wind power, and significant investment capital because of high production costs which makes wind power unable to compete with traditional power sources.

The Prime Minister has recently issued a mechanism to assist wind power projects that will become effective on August 20.

Under this mechanism, wind power projects will be exempted from import tariffs of foreign-made materials for production and enjoy land lease reductions. Wind power projects connecting to the national grid will be eligible for subsidies.

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