Singapore firm Leader Energy eyes $60.8 mln wind power project in central Vietnam

Leader Energy, a Singapore-based renewable energy firm, is targeting a VND1.6 trillion ($60.75 million) wind power project in the central province of Gia Lai as it expands its footprint in Vietnam’s renewable energy market.

The move comes after the Gia Lai People’s Committee granted in-principle approvals to four wind power projects on February 3, with the provincial Department of Finance now inviting investor registrations.

The consortium consisting of Hanoi-headquartered An Phat Construction and Development Investment Consultation JSC and Leader Energy (Vietnam) Pte. Ltd. is the only one registering to invest in the Ia Hla Wind Power Plant project.

The project will be developed on an area of 24.76 hectares in Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes, with a capacity of 40 MW and an estimated annual output of 119.46 million kWh. Out of the total investment of VND1.6 trillion ($60.75 million), VND1.58 trillion is allocated to implementation costs.

Regarding investor capacity, An Phat was established in June 2018, with Nguyen Van Tung as its legal representative. Meanwhile, Leader Energy (Vietnam) Pte. Ltd. is part of Leader Energy, a Singapore-based renewable energy group active in solar, hydropower, wind energy, and energy storage systems.

In Vietnam, Leader Energy has steadily expanded its presence through several notable deals. In 2016, it acquired a 70% stake in Leader Nam Tien Hydropower JSC, which has a capacity of 51.7 MW.

In 2020, the group signed an agreement to acquire a 330 MW solar power project in Vietnam through Clean Energy Vision Development JSC.

In connection with this deal, BCG Energy under Bamboo Capital Group announced on December 5, 2020 that it had successfully raised $43.6 million from Leader Energy (Vietnam) in the form of convertible bonds to invest in its renewable energy segment.

Clean Energy Vision Development JSC, a subsidiary of BCG Energy, is the investor behind the Phu My Solar Power Plant in the former Binh Dinh province (now part of Gia Lai province).

Most recently, in 2023, Leader Energy further expanded its portfolio by acquiring Vinh Hao 6 Power JSC.

Investors identified for 3 other wind power projects

For Ia Blu 1 Wind Power Plant and Ia Blu 1 Wind Power Plant Phase 2, the only registered investor is a consortium between Tai Tam Group JSC and Tai Tam Quang Tri Energy Investment One Member Co., Ltd., both based in Hanoi.

Each project has a total investment of VND1.85 trillion ($70.24 million), including more than VND1.73 trillion in implementation costs, with the remainder allocated to compensation, support, and resettlement.

Both projects will be developed on an area of over 24 hectares in Ia Le commune, with a capacity of 42 MW and annual output of approximately 120 million kWh.

Meanwhile, the Chu Pong Wind Power Plant project has attracted a consortium comprising ANI Power JSC, Song Da 505 JSC, and Trang Duc Solar Power JSC as its registered investor.

This project will be developed on 27.3 hectares in Bo Ngoong commune, with a capacity of 42 MW and annual output of around 112,000 MWh. The total investment exceeds VND1.62 trillion ($61.51 million), with more than VND1.6 trillion of implementation costs.

Last July, Binh Dinh and Gia Lai provinces were merged to form the new Gia Lai which borders Dak Lak, Quang Ngai, Cambodia, and the East Sea.

Following the merger, Gia Lai is emerging as a renewable energy growth pole in the south-central coast, combining coastal advantages with sun-drenched, wind-swept highlands.

These favorable natural conditions allow the province to develop a diverse renewables portfolio, spanning onshore and offshore wind power as well as ground-mounted and floating solar projects.