The construction of the B&T wind farm cluster, the biggest foreign-funded renewable energy project in inland Vietnam, began in the central province of Quang Binh on September 20.

At the groundbreaking ceremony of the project (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

 Spanning over 2,244 ha in the districts of Quang Ninh and Le Thuy, the Philippines-invested cluster has total investment of over VND8.9 trillion (US$384.6 million) and combines two farms.

 The first, B&T 1, will have a capacity of 100.8 MW and is expected to start operations in December 2020, while the second will have a capacity of 151.2 MW and is slated for completion in June 2021.

 The project consists of three packages – the provision, transport and operation of 50 turbines by the Dutch-based contractor Vestars; the construction of the turbine foundation and wire system by Vietnamese Facon joint stock company; and the construction of a 220kv substation and transmission line by Vietnamese V.Tech limited company.

 According to Chairman of the Quang Binh People’s Committee Tran Cong Thuan, the project is expected to supplement the local electricity sources, help ensure the national energy security, and annually contribute VND120 billion to the provincial budget.

 It is also hoped to become a tourist attraction.

 Quang Binh holds huge potential for renewable energy development, especially wind power. Wind speeds reach 5.5-6m per second in coastal areas, and 6.2-7m per second in mountainous areas.