Photovoltaic solar panels in Vietnam’s central highlands region

Trucks and machines rumble at a construction site in Krong Pa district, Gia Lai province. Tran Thanh Bao, Vice Manager of the Krong Pa Solar Power Projec, said that the power plant with a designed capacity of 49MW will be inaugurated later this month after 8 months of construction. It is expected to generate more than 100 million KWh per year. Mr. Bao told VOV: “We chose Krong Pa as the site of the solar project because it has many hours of sunlight. The local authorities are very supportive of the project.”

Ta Chi Khanh, Vice Chairman of the Krong Pa district People’s Committee said the region is unfavorable for cultivation because the soil is exhausted, but there’s plenty of sunshine – at least 2,600 hours per year with temperatures ranging from 25 to 40 degrees C: “17 investors have scouted 19 locations for solar energy projects. If realized, this great potential will contribute to national renewable energy development and help Krong Pa shift its economy from agriculture to industry.”

Gia Lai has been a pioneer in renewable energy development. Ho Phuoc Thanh, Director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, said 23 investors have registered 33 solar power projects with a total capacity of 4,000MW. The province has created incentives, streamlined administrative procedures, and facilitated land clearance to speed solar projects. Mr. Thanh said: “Investors have rapidly pumped money into our province because of its improved business environment and support from local authorities at all levels. We are side by side with enterprises in getting solar projects started as soon as possible.”