Encumbered with transportation, many wind power projects are at risk of not being on schedule

Wind power projects in Vietnam are racing to energize before October 31 to enjoy the preferential price of 2,223 VND/kWh for 20 years. However, up to this point, a series of projects, no matter how fast they run, have not reached their destination in time.

EVN has so far signed power purchase agreements with 113 wind power projects with a total capacity of more than 6,000MW. Of which, 12 projects with a total capacity of more than 1,500MW have been commercially operated. It is likely that 87 projects with a total capacity of nearly 4,500MW will be completed before time G. The rest, the number of projects cannot be operated before this year. 2021 is 14 projects with a total capacity of more than 1,000MW. In the Mekong Delta provinces such as Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre… a series of wind power projects are facing difficulties due to the inability to transport materials and equipment to the construction site. According to the wind power development plan in Soc Trang province approved by the Prime Minister, this province is planned with 20 projects, with a total capacity of 1,435MW. Up to now, the Provincial People’s Committee has issued a decision on investment policy in 16 projects, with a total capacity of 1,095.2MW, 4 projects are completing documents. Currently, there are 9 factories under construction, all in coastal areas of Vinh Chau town.

A wind power investor in Soc Trang province said: It has been difficult to transport equipment by road in the past time. In many projects, the propeller diameter of 145m is designed, so when transporting, it is entangled in the space about power lines, telecommunications, etc. In addition, it also has to comply with the load, which affects the implementation progress. Mr. Vo Van Chieu, Director of Soc Trang Province’s Department of Industry and Trade, said that in some wind power projects, contractors have imported equipment to Dong Nai and Hau Giang ports but have not been able to transport them to Soc Trang by road. According to the contractor’s commitment, it is expected that wind power projects in Soc Trang will operate the entire plant in October 2021, so construction is underway. However, due to difficulties in transportation, it was difficult to keep up with the schedule.

Meanwhile, in Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces, in addition to general difficulties, foreign experts who entered Vietnam had to be isolated according to regulations, which partly delayed the progress. In addition, this time is entering the rainy season, so it affects the construction work at offshore wind power projects.-