The offshore wind power projects in Vinh Hau not only provide a clean energy source but have also become captivating tourist attractions in Ca Mau Province.
Coastal development driven by clean energy and aquaculture
Following the merger of three communes—Vinh Thinh, Vinh Hau A, and Vinh Hau—in Hoa Binh District (formerly part of Bac Lieu Province), the newly established Vinh Hau Commune now spans over 232 sq.km and is home to nearly 42,000 residents.
It now hosts the highest number of offshore wind power projects in the province, located furthest from the shore and offering the most scenic views. These include four operational offshore wind farms comprising 69 turbines with a total capacity of 270 MW.
Vinh Hau currently has the largest area of high-tech shrimp farming in Ca Mau Province, covering 14,966 hectares, alongside zones for clam and blood cockle cultivation.
Several key projects are underway or planned, including a fish shelter and harbour, and the 4 billion USD Bac Lieu LNG power plant.
Vinh Hau hosts the highest number of offshore wind power projects in the province, located furthest from the shore and offering the most scenic views.
The commune also holds significant potential for tourism development, with its offshore wind farms becoming increasingly popular destinations for visitors nationwide.
According to Truong Thanh Nha, Secretary of the Vinh Hau Commune Party Committee, the transition to a two-tier local government model presented numerous challenges. Infrastructure was outdated and insufficient, and the local administrative team faced both understaffing and overstaffing issues, with many new responsibilities falling to commune-level officials.
Nevertheless, through determination and flexibility, the commune has overcome many difficulties and adapted to the new administrative structure. Operations have now stabilised, and the commune is increasingly able to meet the needs of its residents, Nha noted with satisfaction.
Harnessing land, sea, and wind resources
Two offshore wind power projects in Vinh Hau’s coastal area, Hoa Binh 1 and Hoa Binh 2, are being developed by Phuong Anh Company, with a combined investment of over VND 5.2 trillion. The second phase of Hoa Binh 1 shares infrastructure with the first to optimise land use, enhance efficiency, and minimise environmental impact.
Together, the two projects have a combined capacity of 100 MW and generate over 400 million kWh annually, with estimated revenues exceeding 800 billion VND per year.
Hoang Cuong, project representative for the Hoa Binh wind power plants, stated that the initiative aims to build and operate wind energy facilities to supplement the national grid, ensure energy security, and promote clean electricity production. It also seeks to reduce environmental pollution and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
In addition to these major projects, Vinh Hau includes a coastal shoal area—formerly part of Vinh Thinh Commune—home to hundreds of households. The Dong Tien Clam Farming Cooperative has created employment opportunities and become a “home” for disadvantaged locals, helping them achieve stable livelihoods and escape poverty sustainably.
In the coming period, local authorities will intensify efforts to bring about meaningful change and improve both the material and spiritual wellbeing of the people.
Truong Thanh Nha, Secretary of the Vinh Hau Commune Party Committee
Huynh Mung Em, Chairman and Director of the Dong Tien Cooperative, explained that previously, many residents—particularly those from the Khmer ethnic minority—lacked stable employment, land for production, and lived in makeshift housing, relying on collecting crabs and snails along the shoal.
Established in 2006 with just 22 members, the cooperative has since grown to 552 members. Each contributes between 5 million VND –200 million VND to the cooperative’s capital, which now totals nearly 6 billion VND.
Dong Tien Cooperative stands as a model of effective collective economic development and reflects the determination of local residents to overcome hardship. It has become a foundation for hundreds of families aspiring to transform their lives through clam farming.
Truong Thanh Nha, Secretary of the Vinh Hau Commune Party Committee, affirmed that in the coming period, local authorities will intensify efforts to bring about meaningful change and improve both the material and spiritual wellbeing of the people.
