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(Photo: Unsplash)
Vietnam has great potential for wind energy with the experts call on the government to expedite the development of the Can Gio Offshore Wind project. Besides providing a source of electricity for Ho Chi Minh City and its transportation sector, the project presents an opportunity for the city to become the first Net Zero City in Vietnam.
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Science and Technology Associations organized the seminar on “Can Gio Offshore Wind project development” on March 4, gathering industry experts to share their insights and suggestions.
Dang Quoc Toan, CEO of AsiaPetro, stated that the Can Gio project has the potential to become a main energy source for Ho Chi Minh City, providing power for major infrastructure projects such as the Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho High-Speed Railway, the Can Gio Reclamation Project, and the Can Gio International Transshipment Port.
He pointed out that the project not only addresses the energy shortage of the city but also reduces over 200 million tons of carbon emissions and attracts foreign investment with green energy demand.
According to the proposal, the Can Gio Offshore Wind Farm will locate in the southern area of the East Sea, covering an area of approximately 325 hectares. The total installed capacity is estimated to be around 6,000 MW, with a capital requirement of nearly 400 trillion VND (about 16 billion USD). It is planned to be divided into four investment phases between 2025 and 2040.
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Experts believe that the Can Gio Offshore Wind project will help Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, achieve its net zero goals. (Image: iStock)
Dang Quoc Toan pointed out that the continental shelf of Ho Chi Minh City is shallow, resulting in relatively lower construction costs. Additionally, with the advantage of strategic location and electricity transmission, it can lead to lower electricity prices.
Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Commerce proposed the Can Gio offshore wind plant last year, but it has not been listed in the National Power Development Plan (PDP8). Experts suggested that the local government should work harder.
Bui Van Thinh, Chairman of the Binh Thuan Wind Power Association, stated that Vietnam has numerous advantages in offshore wind power development. Being a latecomer, the Can Gio plant can adopt the technology of pioneers, resulting in a significant decrease in production costs. Furthermore, as the Can Gio plant is located closer to the energy consumption side, he suggested that Ho Chi Minh City apply to the central government for special mechanisms to promote the project.
