Vietnam

Credit Agricole Corp. and Investment Bank on Wednesday signed a US$178 million credit contract with Dakdrinh Hydropower Joint Stock Co. to ensure 80% capital for the hydropower project.

Ground clearance is being completed in preparation for the construction of Quang Trach thermal power project beginning July, 2011.

The China Development Bank will provide funds or loans for the seven hydropower plants to be built on the Nam Ou River in Phongsaly and Luang Prabang provinces.

The World Bank approved a new loan of $330 million for Vietnam to support the mid-sized multipurpose Trung Son Hydropower Project. The 260MW Trung Son hydropower project will help meet the increased demand for electricity consumption in Viet Nam, which has been growing at 15 per cent annually for the past several years, according to a WB press release.Through the project, the Bank will also provide technical support to the Electricity of Vietnam Corp to improve the performance of its hydropower projects in dam safety and operations as well as in adopting international standards in social and environmental practices."Trung Son will contribute to Vietnam's energy mix and energy security as part of the least-cost solution in meeting the country's energy needs. Furthermore, it will also contribute to the climate change agenda by avoiding an estimated 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year," said Victoria Kwakwa, WB Country Director for Vietnam.TSHPP is the first hydropower project WB has financed in the country.The financing is being provided through the WB's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development lending window that provides development financing for eligible middle-income countries.

The World Bank approved a new loan of $330 million for Vietnam to support the mid-sized multipurpose Trung Son Hydropower Project.

All households in Truong Sa District can now use electricity 24 hours a day.

An approved strategy and master plan for renewable energy development in Vietnam is needed for investors to implement projects exploiting potential renewable energy sources in Vietnam.

Malaysian firm Janakuasa Sdn Bhd expects to complete a US$1.5 billion power station in Vietnam by 2014.

Mitsubishi Corp. will conduct a  study on global warming using energy-saving Japanese home appliances in Vietnam.

The commissioning of the 400MW second generator of Son La hydropower plant is all set April 20 after its test operation.

TOYO-Ink will develop a 2,000MW Song Hau 2 thermal power plant in Hau Giang, Vietnam.

Vietnam's Deputy PM Hoàng Trung Hải wants an early promulgation of a strategy and Master Planning Scheme for renewal energy development by 2030.

Cavico is expected to make the third and final tunnel breakthrough at the A Luoi Hydropower project in Vietnam next month.

Vietnam will prioritize safety in pursuing its nuclear programme in cooperation with Tokyo and other countries.

Domestic and foreign-invested firms reacted fiercely to the proposed plans to cut down on power consumption.

Vietnam's Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to speed up the planning and licensing of power projects. He also emphasied that projects with private investments be prioritised.