• Workshop “Sharing experiences in developing offshore wind power in Vietnam”
  • Bac Lieu proposes to add 1,000 MW of wind power and 500 MW of solar power to Power Plan VIII
  • Bac Lieu - Ca Mau accounts for nearly 30% of the country's coastal wind power potential.
  • Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Huynh Chi Nguyen surveyed Tan Thuan Wind Power Plant

Breakthrough from 3 spearheads

With an average wind speed of 6.3-7 m/s at an altitude of 80-100 m, Ca Mau possesses wind power potential of more than 16,283 MW - an impressive figure compared to many other coastal localities. Mr. To Minh Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, commented: the farther from shore the area is, the more stable and powerful the wind speed is, very suitable for offshore wind power projects, which is a sustainable development trend that is attracting international attention.

Currently, there are 14 wind power plants in operation in the province, with a total capacity of 694.2 MW. In addition, 34 wind power projects with a total capacity of 2,309 MW are being implemented according to the Power Plan VIII, with the goal of completion before 2030. These projects not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also create thousands of jobs for local people, improve technical skills and develop supporting industries related to renewable energy .

The province has put into operation 14 wind power plants with a total capacity of 694.2 MW. (Photo: Huynh Lam)

Ca Mau also possesses a "treasure" of solar energy. With an average of 2,200-2,700 hours of sunshine per year and a thermal radiation of 4.8 kWh/m²/day. The province is taking advantage of this resource to develop solar power in a flexible manner and in accordance with local conditions. To date, 2,827 rooftop solar power projects have been installed, with a total capacity of nearly 295.5 MWp. In addition, 117 MW of self-produced and self-consumed solar power is planned for further development in the coming period.

The highlight is the model of integrating solar power with aquaculture - a new direction, bringing double efficiency. With an area of ​​over 400,000 hectares of aquaculture land, the potential for integrating solar power can reach up to 11,500 MW without changing the purpose of land use, avoiding conflicts in economic and environmental development. This is a vivid demonstration of Ca Mau's innovative thinking , daring to think, daring to do and creating sustainable values.

In the province, 2,827 rooftop solar power projects have been installed, with a total capacity of nearly 295.5 MWp. (Photo: Huynh Lam)

In the context of the world shifting to cleaner energy sources, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is considered a reasonable intermediate step. Ca ​​Mau has also quickly grasped this trend.

The expansion project of Ca Mau 1 Power Plant and Ca Mau 2 Power Plant with an additional capacity of 1,500 MW is being implemented; with the available advantages of infrastructure such as land, oil ports, tanks, transportation and power transmission systems, the project can be implemented quickly, at low cost and increase competitiveness in the electricity market. At the same time, the Bac Lieu LNG Power Plant Project (3,200 MW) is also being accelerated, expected to contribute to ensuring energy security, creating a balance between traditional and renewable sources of supply.

Opportunity to transform into a "green growth pole"

In order to realize the Power Plan VIII, Ca Mau province has been developing a detailed implementation plan, closely coordinating with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and large energy enterprises to invest in synchronous power transmission infrastructure. The focus is on upgrading the system of transformer stations and 500 kV, 220 kV and 110 kV lines, especially the 500 kV Bac Lieu - Thot Not line to release capacity for LNG and wind power projects.

Notably, the province has established a special working group headed by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to accompany and remove difficulties for investors, closely monitor monthly progress and promptly resolve problems related to site clearance, investment procedures and grid connection.

Ca Mau Power Plant 1 and 2 light up at night. (Photo: Huynh Lam)

Despite great potential and determination, the implementation process still faces many obstacles. Some projects have not been officially approved, typically the Ca Mau 1 Power Plant Expansion Project and Ca Mau 2 Power Plant Expansion Project, which are only on the reserve list for the 2031-2035 period. In addition, the unsynchronized power grid planning has caused many projects to stall, such as the case of the 220 kV Vien An - Nam Can line being removed from the planning, causing congestion in releasing wind power capacity. Furthermore, the operating and business mechanism of privately invested power projects is unclear; the current Land Law does not have specific regulations for line-based energy projects.

Therefore, the province has proposed that the Government and ministries and branches promptly complete the Power Plan VIII in a flexible and practical manner; issue a separate mechanism for connecting and operating the non-budgetary power grid; and at the same time, supplement regulations on land use planning in accordance with the characteristics of the renewable energy industry.

Ca Mau is facing a great opportunity to transform itself into a "green growth pole" of the whole region when the province not only takes advantage of natural resources, but also the local political system joins in vigorously, attracting the attention of investors. Ca Mau is striving to become a symbol of the future of energy autonomy, sustainable development and environmental friendliness in the southernmost part of the country./.

Hong Phuong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ca-mau-manh-me-nang-luong-xanh-a121806.html