The Southern Power Corporation (EVN SPC) will start building a solar power plant in July to turn Con Dao island into "a high-quality tourist and economic zone".

(Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

At a total cost of over VND91 billion (US$3.9 million), the plant in the Dat Doc beach area is expected to provide a total capacity of more than 3,700MWp.

According to the firm, the plant will help reduce the load on the existing diesel generator system during the day and support stable power provision for the island’s households and businesses.

It will also create a driving force for the development of the marine economy and tourism activities to ensure sustainable development and protection of the marine environment. 

The EVN SPC’s project that spans more than 43,500sq.m in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is expected to be completed in December. 

Con Dao has already developed some solar power projects, including one funded by the Spanish government, which has a capacity of 36kWp. 

Most recently, the island completed and put into operation a solar power system with the capacity of 100kWp on the roof of Con Dao Power’s building.

Doan Van Tranh, Director of the Con Dao Power Company, said, “The initial investment for solar is high, but still much lower than using electricity from diesel generators. Specifically, if using a generator, the production cost is VND6,500 per kWh, while the cost of solar power is only VND4,500 per kWh.”

Tranh added, “The price for solar energy is expected to decrease due to the lower prices of solar panels. Not only saving investment costs, solar power will protect the environment and takes advantage of the sunny conditions on the island.”