The People’s Committee of Dak Nong Province has recently submitted a report to the Prime Minister on the implementation and difficulties of wind power projects in the province. Dak Nong has 6 wind power projects, but so far only 1 project has been commercially operated, while the remaining projects are still under development.
Dak Nong has 6 wind power projects.
On April 28, 2023, the Government Inspectorate issued Conclusion No. 1027 on the compliance with policies and laws in the management, planning, and investment in construction of electricity projects according to Power Plan VII and adjusted Power Plan VII, pointing out the violations of wind power projects in Dak Song and Dak Nong districts.
Specifically, the People’s Committee of Dak Nong Province issued decisions approving the investment policy for 6 wind power projects included in the exploration plan for bauxite ores approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 167/2007/QD-TTg dated November 1, 2007.
Regarding this matter, the People’s Committee of Dak Nong Province explains: The implemented wind power projects have been included in the power development plan approved by the Prime Minister in Official Letter No. 795/TTg-CN dated June 25, 2020, and Official Letter No. 911/TTg-CN dated July 15, 2020. Thus, from the time of implementing the wind power projects until now, there have been two overlapping development plans. This situation exceeds the authority for resolution and rectification of the People’s Committee of Dak Nong Province.
Furthermore, according to the People’s Committee of Dak Nong Province, the wind power projects are located within the planning area of Dak Song and Tuy Duc mines, with an area of 47,200 hectares (not yet permitted for exploitation). On the other hand, the land used for the wind power projects accounts for a small proportion of about 0.17% of the total area. The areas for transformer stations, power lines, and scattered tower positions are also insignificant and do not significantly affect the bauxite ore reserve.
Besides, during the construction of the wind power facilities, there is no loss of mineral resources. There is no illegal mining, transportation, or trading of bauxite ores.
Currently, there are 5 wind power projects that have not been implemented.
Until now, there are 5 projects that have not been completed due to the complications of the bauxite ore exploration plan, therefore, the projects cannot complete the procedures for land and construction (Dak Nong Province has not received the drilling and exploration documents transferred by the competent ministry).
In order to soon put the projects into operation, avoiding wasting societal resources, the People’s Committee of Dak Nong Province suggests to the Prime Minister as follows: Assign the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies based on the requirements for protecting the infrastructure (the locations where 6 wind power projects have been implemented) to decide on the form of restricting mining activities (limiting the area of bauxite mining within the planning area approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 866/QD-TTg), for areas with wind power projects in accordance with Clause d, Point 2, Article 26 of the Law on Minerals 2010, and allow the protection of bauxite ores right within the project site of the wind power projects.
Regarding the 3 Dak N’Drung 1, 2, 3 wind power plant projects (already invested and reached 55% of the total capital): Agree to allow Dak Nong Province to complete the investment, construction, and land procedures, so that the investor can complete the remaining items and start commercial power generation soon.
For the Nam Binh 1 wind power plant project (already completed investment), agree to allow Dak Nong Province to adjust the project operation time in accordance with the legal regulations, creating conditions for the investor to complete the procedures for commercial power generation.
For the Asia Dak Song 1 wind power plant project (not yet implemented), allow the completion of land procedures and related procedures for project implementation.
