Binh Thuan Wind Energy Association is planning to develop eco-tourism at wind farms to raise funds and further develop clean energy.

Phu Lac wind farm in Binh Thuan Province

The association's chairman, Bui Van Thinh, announced the plan at a conference about the development of wind farms in Binh Thuan Province on February 16.

In the first phase, the Phu Lac wind farm, invested by Thuan Binh Wind Power JSC has an annual capacity of 24MW since beginning operations in June 2016.

The company is also investing into a solar farm that covers 40 hectares and has a capacity of 100MW a year. The first phase is expected to be completed within this year and the farm can produce 30MW. In addition, they are planning to set up a farm to grow vegetables and livestock to develop eco-tourism at wind and solar farms.

Thinh said Vietnam had huge potential for wind power. According to the national power development plan during 2011-2020 period, the government aims to increase the wind power capacity from 140MW to 800MW by 2020 and 6,000MW by 2030.

However, the development of wind power is currently facing various difficulties, especially in finding investment. The wind power sector in Vietnam is still too young and Vietnam lacks infrastructure and skilled employees.

More importantly, the investment is high yet a KWh is sold only for seven to eight US cents. Thinh said this was the lowest price in the region.

"Binh Thuan Wind Energy Association has asked the government to raise the price to 9.5 US cents multiple times and was promised that a new price would be set up at the end of 2016. But nothing has been done," Thinh said.

Dtinews