Vietnam adds 142 inspected solar power projects to Power Development Plan's implementation scheme

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has approved the inclusion of 142 solar power projects, which were previously inspected, into the implementation scheme of the Power Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision until 2050 (PDP VIII).

Among them are large-scale solar power plants such as Trung Nam in the central province of Ninh Thuan (204 MW), CMX Renewable Vietnam in Ninh Thuan (168 MW), Hong Phong 1 A & B in the central province of Binh Thuan (250 MW), Dau Tieng 1 & 2 in the southern province of Tay Ninh (350 MW), Sao Mai in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang (210 MW), Hoa Hoi in the central province of Phu Yen (214 MW), BIM 2 in Ninh Thuan (250 MW), Ea Sup 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak (600 MW), and Van Ninh in the central province of Khanh Hoa (100 MW).

In its decision issued on Wednesday, the ministry (MoIT) clarified that the 142 projects had been commercially operational as of January 13. They were included in the scheme based on the Electricity Law, the Planning Law, the Investment Law, the Bidding Law, PDP VIII, and other relevant documents.

The move aligns with the government’s policy to address issues related to renewable energy projects.

The list of such solar power projects only comprises project names, capacities, and names of provinces where they are located. Specific project sites are mentioned in their investment proposals or pre-feasibility study reports.

Last year, the Government Inspectorate concluded that the MoIT had approved the inclusion of 154 solar power projects into the scheme without sufficient legal foundation. Of these, 123 were identified as the primary cause of energy source imbalances and wasteful use of social resources.

The government later agreed to remove obstacles for these 154 projects per a resolution passed at its November 2024 meeting. In a subsequent meeting on December 12, 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh outlined the government's general principles to resolve those projects' difficulties, especially for those with no intent of violating regulations.

"We will not legalize violations, but create mechanisms to resolve these issues decisively," the PM remarked, stressing the importance of avoiding wastes of social resources while maintaining investors' confidence.

"Local authorities and businesses need to work together to resolve such issues. It is critical to strictly prevent corruption, bribery, and unfair practices, and those committing violations will be held accountable," he added.

According to the MoIT, by the end of 2023, the capacity of renewable energy sources (wind and solar) reached 21,664 MW, accounting for approximately 27% of the country's total capacity.

The cumulative electricity generation from renewable energy (wind, ground-mounted solar, and rooftop solar) in 2023 was approximately 27,317 million kWh, making up nearly 13% of the total electricity system.