The move follows the Government’s Resolution No. 17/NQ-CP, which seeks to address long-standing bottlenecks affecting delayed projects across multiple sectors.

The ministry said that during implementation, if difficulties arise, provincial authorities should consolidate their feedback and report to the Ministry of Justice for guidance on appropriate handling measures.

According to a list attached to the ministry’s request, 167 solar power projects remain in limbo after failing to obtain formal approval of construction completion acceptance from competent authorities, despite having been recognized as having achieved commercial operation dates (COD) and already entering operation.

The absence of such acceptance documents has resulted in delayed or partial payments for electricity generated under power purchase agreements (PPAs) previously signed with state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN), disrupting cash flows and creating significant operational challenges for project developers.

Numerous petitions have been submitted by businesses and foreign investor associations to relevant authorities, calling for the continued application of FIT rates based on the COD agreed in PPAs, and for EVN to fully honor its contractual obligations.

Project developers argue that at the time their projects were recognized as having achieved COD, prevailing regulations did not require approval of construction acceptance results by competent authorities as a condition for COD recognition.

As a proposed solution, investors have suggested administrative penalties combined with remedial measures, warning that prolonged uncertainty could undermine investor confidence and make capital more cautious about future investments in power generation projects.