Dak Lak: Counterarguments on the dossier of the wind and solar power plant project

The E&M Đắk Lắk Wind Power Plant project, proposed by BCG Energy Joint Stock Company, has a temporary land occupation area of approximately 24.2 hectares, with a planned capacity of 95 MW and 16 wind turbines. The total estimated investment is approximately 4,237 billion VND, of which 20% is equity capital and 80% is borrowed capital; the estimated electricity generation is approximately 228 GWh/year. Meanwhile, the Jang Pông 2 Solar Power Plant project, proposed by Cao Nguyen Energy Investment Joint Stock Company, has a design capacity of 50 MWac/62 MWp, combined with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of 5 MW/10 MWh. The project is expected to use approximately 71.7 hectares of land, supplying approximately 99.455 million kWh of electricity annually, with a total investment exceeding 925 billion VND, of which 30% is investor equity and 70% is raised capital.

After reviewing the dossier, the Council acknowledged the necessity of considering investment in these projects within the context of promoting renewable energy development, diversifying energy supply, and exploiting local energy potential. If properly prepared and implemented in accordance with regulations, the projects could contribute to supplementing the power supply, supporting socio-economic development, creating jobs, increasing budget revenue, and promoting a shift towards green development. However, these benefits need to be evaluated based on reliable data, feasible investment plans, and strict control of impacts on land, environment, livelihoods, and people's lives.

For the E&M Dak Lak Wind Power Plant Project, the Council members requested a thorough review of the current status, the legal basis regarding land and forests, and the compensation and land clearance plans. They also called for clarification on wind potential, the reliability of power generation forecasts, electricity sales schemes, grid connection capabilities, and power transmission capacity. The project documentation must also demonstrate the feasibility of the capital mobilization plan, financial efficiency, and provide a comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts, along with mechanisms to safeguard the rights of affected households. In particular, the exact coordinates of each turbine foundation must be accurately determined in the field to ensure ecological safety distances and to avoid encroaching on the strict protection zones of the nature reserve. The project owner needs to standardize the turbine technology plan in the documentation to provide a reliable basis for simulating and assessing the level of noise impact on nearby residential areas.

Regarding the Jang Pong 2 Solar Power Plant Project, the Council requested clarification on the land use plan, compensation, land clearance, and livelihood support for affected residents. It also emphasized the need to enhance information disclosure, solicit public opinions, and conduct community consultations. Additionally, the Council called for supplementary explanations on the grid connection plan, power capacity release, electricity pricing, and commercial output; capital mobilization capabilities, the reliability of the financial model, the legal basis for land use, and safety measures for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The Council emphasized that the dossier needs to further clarify its alignment with development orientations and relevant planning frameworks, and to supplement it with scientific and practical grounds, as well as a comprehensive assessment of implementation conditions. Land requirements, investment capital, technical infrastructure, and other resources must be calculated in proportion to the project’s objectives, scale, and actual conditions. At the same time, a clear analysis of socioeconomic efficiency, impacts on local residents, and requirements related to national defense, security, environmental protection, and sustainable development is necessary. The Council also requested that the lead unit and investors fully absorb the feedback, review and refine the dossier, and supplement any missing content before submitting it to the competent authorities for consideration.

The review activities of the Association of Societies contribute to providing additional scientific and practical grounds, improving the quality of investment proposals, and aiming for the efficient exploitation of renewable energy potential. This ensures a harmonious balance of interests among the State, investors, and local residents, making a practical contribution to the sustainable development goals of Dak Lak province.