HCMC – Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) is seeking approval from the Government to develop 4,000MW wind power projects off the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam to ensure national energy security.
The proposal by EVN is part of the 5,500MW power supply to the country’s electricity system by 2025, including 4,000MW of wind power and 1,500MW of solar power.
The Gulf of Tonkin provides favorable conditions for the development of offshore wind energy. At a height of 100 meters above sea level, the regional wind speed ranges between 7.5 and 8.5 meters per second.
According to the Danish Energy Agency, the potential may allow for offshore electrical production of 18GW.
EVN stated that energy consumption had risen quickly in recent years, putting pressure on the handling capacity of the current energy infrastructure.
The provinces and cities in the north may see a significant rise in energy consumption, which could exceed the national average. According to the authorities, the current consumption in the region has made up almost 50% of the total.
While the northern localities’ electrical supply infrastructure has slightly grown in 2022, other regions’ power contribution to the north has remained modest due to the 500kV transmission line’s capacity.
Renewable energy production, particularly wind energy, will capture the benefits of the natural condition and align with development orientations, added EVN.
Still, a total investment of offshore 1,000-MW-capacity project may cost around US$3.15 billion. It could be trimmed down to US$2.15 billion by 2030.
In addition, concerns remain in terms of legal frameworks and relevant issues affecting the broader maritime development strategy.
