VĨNH LONG — Vĩnh Long Province is setting its sights on a greener future, breaking ground on four wind power projects worth more than VNĐ11.28 trillion (US$424 million).

The provincial People’s Committee joined investors REE Corporation and Trường Thành Vietnam Group JSC to launch construction at a ground-breaking ceremony.

Chairwoman of REE Corporation Nguyễn Thị Mai Thanh said the developments include the second phase of the V1-3 plant with a capacity of 48MW and investment of VNĐ2.26 trillion; the second phases of V1-5 and V1-6 plants with a combined capacity of 80MW and investment of VNĐ3.86 trillion; the Đông Hải 3 plant (48MW, VNĐ2.77 trillion); and the expansion of the V1-2 plant (48MW, over VNĐ2.39 trillion).

The plants are expected to go into commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2026, Thanh said. She added that the investors and contractors had pledged to mobilise all resources, follow regulations on construction, environmental protection and labour safety, and called for continued support from provincial authorities to ensure work stays on schedule.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyễn Quỳnh Thiện said Vĩnh Long has a coastline of more than 130km and a sea area of around 15,000sq.km, offering significant potential for coastal and offshore wind power development.

International consultants have assessed the area from Duyên Hải to Ba Tri as suitable locations for large-capacity projects.

Thiện said the province has planned about 45 renewable energy projects – onshore, coastal and offshore – with a combined capacity of some 3,855MW and is actively seeking investment to accelerate development.

Over recent years, Việt Nam’s energy sector has been growing steadily to ensure national energy security and sustainable development. With its open space, abundant resources and synchronous energy infrastructure, Vĩnh Long aims to play a key role on the national renewable energy map, according to the deputy chairman.

He added that the launch of the four wind power plants demonstrates the province’s determination to harness coastal wind potential and align with the National Energy Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050.

Vĩnh Long currently has a total commercial operating power capacity of 5,414MW, including four thermal power plants with a combined 4,498MW, 13 wind power plants with 572.1MW, two solar power plants with 189MW and rooftop solar systems totalling 154.9MW.

The province contributes around 30 billion kWh to the national grid annually, equivalent to VNĐ25 trillion in value, with renewable sources accounting for about VNĐ5 trillion.

Once operational, the four new projects are expected to supply about 718 million kWh of electricity per year, helping meet rising energy demand, ensure national energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support environmental protection.

The projects will also create jobs for around 400 workers during construction and 100 workers in the operation phase while contributing an estimated VNĐ115 billion annually to the provincial budget. — VNS