A representative from the department spoke with VIR on October 4 about the ongoing challenges facing renewable energy projects in the province.

The Phuoc Thai 2 and Phuoc Thai 3 solar power projects have not yet been granted extensions. Ninh Thuan Department of Industry and Trade reported that it had submitted two proposals to Ninh Thuan People's Committee, which were subsequently forwarded twice to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha.

The first submission was based on the directive from the Prime Minister’s Office (Directive No.1116/CD-VPCP dated July 8), and the second followed Directive No.1329/CD-VPCP dated August 18, related to the online conference to update the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

As of September 30, the PM has not yet signed the revised implementation plan for Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8).

"This matter is contingent upon the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), which is responsible for submitting the plan to the Prime Minister for approval, serving as the basis for further steps to avoid wasting investment resources," a representative from the department explained.

For renewable energy projects scheduled to start this year, the department noted that as of the end of September, there was still no official wind power pricing policy. Without this, investors cannot finalise financial plans or submit design documents for approval.

"For these projects to qualify for groundbreaking, a pricing mechanism is essential to enable the completion of financial and design documentation, ensuring all necessary approvals are obtained," the representative added.

In a prior report, the department highlighted that although PDP8 has been issued, several projects have not yet been synchronised with the approved plan. This has hindered the progress of renewable energy development in the region. Specifically, the Phuoc Thai 2 and Phuoc Thai 3 solar projects, originally slated to be operational by the second quarter of 2024, have not been granted extensions because they were not included in the initial plan. The province is currently seeking approval from the Prime Minister to add these projects to the plan.

Several projects, initially set to begin construction in 2024, have also been delayed. These include the Cong Hai 1 Wind Power Project - Phase 2 (25MW), the Phuoc Nam Wind Power Project (76MW), the Phuoc Huu Wind Power Project (50MW), the VN Power 1 Wind Power Project (30MW), and the Dam Nai 3 and 4 Wind Power Projects (39.4MW and 27.6MW, respectively), along with several hydropower projects such as the Phuoc Hoa Hydropower Plant (22MW) and the Upper Song Ong 2 Hydropower Plant (7MW).

Recently, Ninh Thuan People’s Committee confirmed it had submitted proposals to the MoIT for the inclusion of additional projects, such as the connection line for Phuoc Hoa Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant and several wind and solar projects, including parts of Trung Nam Solar Power Project and the operational Thien Tan solar plants (1.2, 1.3, and 1.4). The Phuoc Thai 2 and 3 solar projects were also included for further updates under PDP8.

Ninh Thuan People’s Committee has also proposed that the MoIT consider developing a regional Renewable Energy Industrial and Service Hub in Ninh Thuan to further drive the province’s renewable energy ambitions.