Vietnam
Vietnam, Laos discuss ways to strengthen hydropower cooperation
Vietnam, Laos discuss ways to strengthen hydropower cooperation
A symposium tackled measures to solve difficulties in hydropower cooperation difficulties between Laos and Vietnam.
Vietnam plans electricity price hike
The Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam is developing plans to increase electricity price in 2011. This will be based in coal price and prices of other inputs. According to Mr. Tran Viet Ngai, Chairman of Vietnam Energy Association, electricity price in 2012 and 2013 has to increase to 7 to 8 cents per KW from 5.3 cents. "If electricity price and the profit rate of enterprises are too low, the power sector shall be at a loss, unable to borrow from foreign investment and no one shall invest in the power sector of Vietnam. The increase should be implemented from early 2011. In the coming dry season, if there is no electricity, damages and losses due to power shortage shall be even bigger", said Mr Ngai. According to Vietnam Electricity Corporation or EVN, the current electricity price of 5.3 cents per KW is too low, and should be increased to 6.5 cents, which has been approved by the Government for 2011 to ensure profitability and attract investors. “In 2011, if we are not affected by natural disasters like this year, there will be more water for hydro-power reservoirs, and the 30 per cent increase in electricity price shall be sufficient to compensate for the electricity sector”, shared an official of the power sector. But Minister of Finance Vu Van Ninh said that while the price of electricity in 2011 will certainly be increased, the amount and time of increase should be calculated so as not to affect low-income people, and not distort the economy because of the subsidized price.
Ca Mau power plants exceeds the annual plan
The total output for Ca Mau 1 and Ca Mau 2 power plants has reached 7.94 billion KW. It exceeded Ca Mau Petrovietnam Power Company’s 7.6 billion KW target by 4 per cent with revenues has reaching US$337.8 million.
Son La plant unit attains no load operation
The construction site of Son La hydropower plant has officially been put into no load operation.
Vietnam installs first grid-connected solar network
Vietnam hopes to generate 18,000 KW annually with its first grid connected solar system . The network, installed on the roof of the Ministry of Industry and Trade office will help to save roughly US$612 in power bills for the office. Mr. Stefan Mappus, Governor of Baden - Württemberg and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Duong Quang inaugurated the grid connected solar system on the rooftop of MOIT’s building. The ceremony had the attendance of representatives from more than 50 leading German companies and representatives from related departments of the MOIT.
GE to expand operation in Vietnam
General Electric wants to expand in Vietnam after putting into operation the Hai Phong wind turbine factory.
Chinese and Koreans eye giant Vietnamese power project
Chinese and South Korean firms want to invest in the $2.1 billion coal-fired power plant in Quang Ninh province. It is being built by the United States-based AES Corporation and its Vietnamese partner Vinacomin.
Cummins provides back up power for Vietnam hypermarts
Cummins Power Generation brings forth a fully integrated, reliable and highly efficient power technology to five Big C hypermarts in Vietnam.
Vietnam lauds Japan for nuclear project assistance
Japan’s Premier Naoto Kan affirmed his country’s commitment to meet all of Vietnam’s requirements in implementaing its nuclear power project. This includes providing preferential loans, technology transfer, human resource training, cooperation in waste treatment and ensuring a stable supply of materials during the project’s life-time.
Vinacomin to ensure coal for power plants
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has instructed Vinacomin to ensure power plants have an adequate amount of coal to run their facilities.
Vietnam needs $10B for power grids
Vietnam needs $10 billion for power grid development in the 2010-2015 period. The figure is five and seven times more than the investment for the past five years.
Vietnam tries saving energy with Japanese products
Mitsubishi Corp. will conduct a feasibility study to help address global warming by popularizing energy-saving Japanese home appliances in Vietnam.
GE manufactures wind turbine components in Vietnam
GE inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in Vietnam to produce wind turbine components.
First Solar to build Vietnam manufacturing plant
First Solar Inc. will build two new manufacturing plants, including one in Vietnam. Both the Vietnam plant and another one to be built in the United States are scheduled to be completed by 2012 and to create jobs for 600 people apiece. Together the plants, once fully operational, are expected to produce 500 megawatts' worth of thin-film photovoltaic modules annually, according to Arizona-based First Solar. In addition to the increase in manufacturing employment, First Solar expects to generate over 1,000 construction jobs through the installation of solar power plants. First Solar added that negotiations and site assessments are ongoing in both countries and will be finalized and announced at a later date. "These expansions provide proximity to growing U.S. demand while supporting our roadmap to drive down the cost of clean, sustainable solar electricity," said First Solar CEO Rob Gillette. The new plants announced on Oct 14, combined with these previously announced expansions, will nearly double production capacity from 1.4 GW in 2010 to more than 2.7 GW in 2012.
MRC wants increased cooperation with China/Myanmar
Representatives from MRC member countries discussed increased levels of cooperation in managing Mekong River Basins with Chinese and Myanmar officials.
SN Power, IFC to develop Vietnam renewable energy
SN Power and the IFC signed a Joint Development Agreement in Washington D.C.
TEPCO explores opportunities in Vietnam
TEPCO signed an MOU with Petrovietnam to explore the possibility of jointly developing coal-fired power stations in Vietnam.
Commentary
Navigating risk strategies for decommissioning traditional power plants