But in order to convert such potential into reality, which will help to restructure the local economy, develop green energy, protect the environment and realise Vietnam’s commitment of carbon neutrality by 2025, it is necessary to have the active participation of provincial authorities and investors.
A survey by renewable energy company Siemens Gamesa shows that the wind speeds in Vietnam’s northwestern provinces all reach more than 6m/s, with speeds in Dien Bien Province’s Dien Bien Dong District reaching 7m/s, demonstrating the huge potential for wind power in the region.
Citing assessments by energy consultants, Director of the Dien Bien Department of Industry and Trade Vu Hong Son stated that many areas in the province experience wind speeds of 7-10m/s, adding that if wind energy is harnessed in these areas, the total wind capacity of Dien Bien could reach nearly 3,000 megawatts.
In the neighbouring province of Lai Chau, where there are many high mountains, wind speeds are also favourable for power generation, with the combined capacity of districts Tan Uyen and Than Uyen estimated at nearly 150 megawatts.
Aware of the potential and importance of wind energy, regional provinces such as Dien Bien and Lai Chau have proactively called for investment and facilitated investors in carrying out research and surveys for potential development.
According to Hoang Tien Dung, Director of the Authority of Electricity and Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, developing wind power in the northwest will meet the region’s power demand and offload power from the northwest to the Red River Delta.
Furthermore, this source of wind energy will help to create more jobs for people in the northwest, thus contributing to the region’s socio-economic development. Dien Bien Chairman Le Thanh Do said that if 1,500 megawatts of wind power are harnessed, Dien Bien Province will have additional budget revenue of 1,500 billion VND (over 64 million USD) each year. Such revenue will provide the province with financial resources to help ethnic communities alleviate poverty and grow rich.
Under the draft Vietnam Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), power from renewable energy is expected to account for 25% of the total capacity by 2030 and 42% by 2045. The addition of wind power in the northwest to the PDP8 will not only help to ensure national energy security but also narrow the gap in socio-economic development between northwestern provinces and the rest of the country.
