Vietnam’s long-awaited Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), confirmed in mid-May, is a milestone in the country’s journey towards energy transition. The main objective of the legislation is to achieve energy security for Vietnam, progressing on its climate change commitments towards the middle of this century, and more specifically to export 5,000-10,000MW of power by 2030. Towards these goals, the PDP8 proposes a new energy mix with a substantial reliance on renewables and the development of smart transmission grids to support the renewables industry, including connecting the power grids with neighbouring countries. “We appreciate the government for the approval of the PDP8, as it provides a clear path to the completion of the grid interconnection, which is critical for us and Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) to complete agreement on the tariff and schedule of the power purchase agreement (PPA). We target completion of the PPA in Q4 of 2023 in order to break ground in 2024,” said Ian … [Read more...] about Power overhaul plan picks up steam
Danish wind industry association
Carmakers keen on extension of SCT pay
The ministry’s proposal to extend the special consumption tax (SCT) payment period is expected to give a boost to the vehicle market, and create better conditions for cars manufacturers across the country. Currently, there are 12 vehicle manufacturing and assembling enterprises that could benefit from the extension (see box). Thanks to the support from the government policies, the domestic auto industry has recovered markedly from the pandemic and other pressures, with growth and sales in 2022 much higher than in 2019. However, output and sales of domestically manufactured cars are decreasing. In October 2022, the output was 25,571 vehicles and the corresponding SCT was $169 million. In November, the output decreased to 23,658 vehicles, and the corresponding SCT was $148 million. In December 2022, the amount of SCT incurred was $140 million; in January 2023, the amount was only $63 million. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has yet to announce SCT collected in recent months. … [Read more...] about Carmakers keen on extension of SCT pay
Vietnam seeks to expand overseas markets for lychees, longans
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Industry and Trade held a meeting with Vietnam Trade Offices abroad on May 31 to discuss ways to boost the exports of lychees and longans as many northern localities are harvesting the fruits. total lychee production is estimated at a record of over 180,000 tonnes this year. The harvesting period is scheduled from May 25 to July 30. Vietnam Trade Offices abroad were assigned to closely follow the market situation, trade policies and export requirements for key commodities, thus providing timely advices for the ministry’s leaders to support localities, associations, and businesses. VNA … [Read more...] about Vietnam seeks to expand overseas markets for lychees, longans
Phu My Solar Plant receives earliest COD
The plant, which is the largest solar power facility in the Central region of Vietnam, began construction on May 29, 2020, with a capacity of 330 MW and a total investment exceeding VND6.5 trillion ($277 million). On December 31, 2020, the Phu My Solar Power Plant started its commercial operation with an initial grid connection of 216 MW. The plant enjoyed a favourable power purchase price of 7.09 US cents/kWh over a 20-year period. After a two-year wait, the remaining 114 MW of the plant received official recognition for commercial operation on May 30 this year, making it the first successful renewable energy transitional project to achieve COD recognition. Bamboo Capital's completion of Phase 1 and Phase 3 of the power plant showcases its comprehensive approach and adherence to legal requirements. This accomplishment reinforces investor confidence and demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable energy. With the entire 330 MW capacity of the Phu My Plant contributing to … [Read more...] about Phu My Solar Plant receives earliest COD
Ho Chi Minh City to boost online exports
The Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City has said it will join hands with cross-border e-commerce platforms to support local exporters in shipping products to the world on a larger scale and in a more professional way. This is among the solutions that the city will adopt this year to help Vietnamese enterprises overcome difficulties and foster industrial production, trade, and green export. Enhancing business via online and digital channels will help exporting enterprises reduce costs and access customers faster, said Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade. The department has worked with many e-commerce platforms and service providers to come up with support solutions, Phuong noted. Enterprises also need to take the initiative in cooperating with partners to better meet the requirements in importing markets. Huynh Kim Tuoc, co-chairman of the Digital Economy and Technology Committee under the American … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City to boost online exports
Coal still with part to play in energy mix
The clearance of 200-300 coal wagons per day via the La Lay border gate in the central province of Quang Tri is being deemed impractical, affecting Logistics PTS Vietnam’s future aim of importing five million metric tonnes of coal annually. “Transportation and warehouse infrastructure is scarce, and so we can only remove about 100 vehicles per day,” said PTS general director Nguyen Quang Huy. According to him, if Vietnam fails to strengthen infrastructure, improve National Highway 15D, and invest in warehouses, it will miss the chance to compete with Thailand in purchasing coal from Laos. In February, Laos’ energy ministry announced findings of coal field surveys in the provinces of Sekong and Saravane, indicating that reserves may be as high as 500 million MT. Coal still with part to play in energy mix, Source: evn.com.vn Vietnam may experience a power scarcity if the availability of coal becomes constrained. According to Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), the total … [Read more...] about Coal still with part to play in energy mix
Investors wanted for social housing efforts
Speaking at a May 19 conference on plans to develop one million social houses for lower-income people and workers by 2030, Minister of Construction Le Thanh Nghi said that the ministry would coordinate with authorities to ensure it achieved its social housing targets. The ministry (MoC) has completed the draft amended Law on Housing, which has been approved by the government and submitted to the National Assembly for approval. It is hoped that the amended law will draw policies for social housing development and take effect from 2024, including planning and reserving land for social housing development, selection of project investors, and procedures for implementation. As of Q1 2023, Vietnam has completed just over 300 social housing projects in urban areas and worker housing projects in industrial zones (IZs), with nearly 156,000 units in total. About 400 projects are still planned to be built, with a total scale of 454,000 apartments. However, demand has not been fully met. … [Read more...] about Investors wanted for social housing efforts
Second home real estate on the slow path to recovery
Hotel supply in Vietnam has tripled over the past decade, photo Le Toan According to a report by DKRA Vietnam, the supply of villas and town houses across the country continued to decrease from the end of the second quarter of 2022. Specifically, in April only two projects were opened for sale, providing 12 apartments to the market, down 69 per cent from the previous month and down 98 per cent compared to the same period last year. Particularly, the Central region recorded the fourth consecutive month that no new projects were introduced to the market. “It is expected that in the next few months, supply and demand may increase slightly. However, the market will not have obvious fluctuations with key transactions, except from expected transactions on Phu Quoc island,” according to DKRA’s report. The primary selling price did not alter greatly compared to the previous month. Instead, investors have aggressively launched discounts up to 30-40 per cent to stimulate market … [Read more...] about Second home real estate on the slow path to recovery