"During the process of construction of An Hao, we faced many difficulties due to the unfavorable weather and especially the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, which was spreading very quickly,” a representative of the investor of An Hao Solar Power Plant recalled. 

“The plant is very far from cities while raw materials were 100% imported. The transport system at that time was not as convenient as now. Our workers had to carry construction materials on their back to the foot of the Cam Mountain. Beyond all difficulties, with great determination, we completed the project ahead of schedule - December 31, 2020 – the deadline to enjoy Electricity of Vietnam (EVN)'s electricity purchase price for phase 1 of 9, 35 cents and phase 2 of 7.09 cents,” he added.

The inauguration of An Hao Solar Power Plant, which is dubbed "the light of the border area," has contributed to helping local people improve the quality of life, ensuring security and order in the border area. On the other hand, it also makes an important contribution to ensuring energy security in accordance with the global trend of developing clean energy.

In An Hao commune of Tinh Bien district, it is impossible to cultivate here because the weather is harsh and the soil is poor. Some investors came here to seek investment opportunities and they quickly left because there was nothing but only harsh weather here.

An Hao solar power plant appeared as a miracle and it has quickly changed the entire scenery and space at the foot of the Cam Mountain. No need for deforestation, no destructing mountains nor blocking the water current, this solar power plant has corrected the defects of this semi-mountainous area and turned it into a tourist site.

Vietnam has a tropical climate remarkably influenced by monsoon and is located entirely within the tropical belt of the northern hemisphere, more inclined to the tropics than the equator. The location makes Vietnam have a high temperature, ranging from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius. 

There are some 100 rainy days a year with average rainfall of 1,500 to 2,000 millimeters. Air humidity is about 80%. The number of sunny hours is some 1,500 to 2,000 hours per year and the average annual radiation is 100 kilocalories per square centimeter. The abundant source of heat, good energy prices and preferential policies have attracted foreign investors in solar power projects.

Sao Mai Group’s An Hao solar plant, with a total investment of VND6 trillion and a capacity of 210 megawatt-peak (MWp), can generate over 302 million KWh of electricity a year. The solar power plant in the southwestern border area has a special mission: contributing to ensuring security, developing the economy and raising the ranking of Vietnam in the global map of renewable energy generation.

Behind the An Hao solar farm at the foot of Cam Mountain are mountain ranges, while in front of the facility are immense paddy fields, making the clean power construction unique in An Giang Province. In addition, the investor is expanding the surrounding area of the project due to numerous century-old trees and stunning scenery that are valuable assets of the solar farm.

Beneath over half a million solar panels are hundreds of sheep with soft wool in different colors. They are tamed on the peaceful land and are constantly giving birth. Besides, that many peacocks spread their colorful feathers creates a dreamy picture at the solar farm.

The An Hao solar farm acts as an important prerequisite for An Giang Province’s development of adventure tourism. It will be a fortune for people to know that solar power is no longer a strange concept. Take steps towards the majestic Thien Cam Son land to enjoy such modern science and technology. It will be an exciting time for tourists to feel the marvellous sunlight at the stunning place.

Dinh Thanh Van