Land of wind power, solar power, hydropower
The Department of Industry and Trade of Gia Lai province said that implementing the National Power Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (Adjusting the Power Plan VIII), the province is inviting potential power project investors to increase budget revenue and develop the economy.
Gia Lai is the second largest province in the country with an area of over 21,000km2, many places have relatively high average wind speeds, about 6-7 m/s. Localities such as Kong Chro, Chu Prong, Mang Yang, Van Canh, Vinh Thanh have great potential for renewable energy. Gia Lai province also has the advantage of developing hydropower plants, especially in the mountainous areas of the West with the Se San, Ba, Ayun rivers... creating a rich mixed-use energy system.
In addition to the above-ground solar power system, Gia Lai is also aiming for a floating solar power model in large irrigation lakes and hydroelectric lakes such as Nui Mot, Thuan Ninh, Hoi Son, Dong Mit, Ia Ly, Se San, Ia More, Dong Minh.
Currently, the province has 61 hydropower projects with a total capacity of 2,736 MW; 17 wind power projects with a total capacity of 916 MW; 7 solar power projects with a total capacity of 590 MWp and 2 thermal power projects with a total capacity of 130 MW have been put into commercial operation.
Gia Lai contributes to ensuring national energy security
The electricity output of power plants in the area has supplied the national power system with over 12 billion kWh annually. In addition to ensuring electricity supply, power source projects have contributed about VND1,400 billion/year to the provincial budget and contributed to increasing the province's industrial production index.
According to the National Power Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 ( Adjusted Power Plan VIII), the total capacity of renewable energy projects in the province is about 9,657.1 MW. Of which, wind power has 74 projects with a total capacity of 5,431 MW; solar power has 24 projects with a total capacity of 1,530 MW; hydropower has 48 projects with a total capacity of 1,353 MW.
Currently, the authorities are implementing procedures to select investors for renewable energy projects. According to the plan, by 2026, Gia Lai province will organize bidding for 57 wind power, solar power, small hydropower and thermal power projects with a total capacity of more than 3,000 MW.
Mr. Pham Anh Tuan - Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee - affirmed: "In the past time, many renewable energy projects have been put into operation, bringing a significant source of electricity to the national grid system, contributing to ensuring energy security. These projects also create tens of thousands of jobs, increase people's income, contribute to local budgets, and at the same time promote the development of services, trade, and logistics".
However, the Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee also acknowledged that the province is facing significant challenges such as: The power transmission system is not yet synchronous, many projects have to wait for capacity clearance; policies and mechanisms are still in the process of being completed; environmental issues, land and people's consensus need to be resolved harmoniously.
In particular, the requirements for advanced technology, large capital sources and high-quality human resources are barriers for many local businesses. The provincial government is making efforts to resolve problems to unblock mechanisms and maximize the potential of renewable energy.
