In the context of increasing demand for green energy, floating solar power projects are becoming a potential solution. In Vietnam, with abundant potential from the river and lake system, many large-scale floating solar power projects have been and are being implemented. That contributes significantly to ensuring energy security and sustainable development. Let's join GREEN IN to review the most typical projects, marking a great step forward for the renewable energy industry in our country.
1. What is floating solar power?
Floating solar power is a new trend in the energy industry, with solar panels installed on water, often in still water areas such as lakes and artificial dams. This technology saves land and reduces production costs. Israel is a pioneer in this field, when in 2011, the company Solar Synergy introduced a lightweight, modular floating solar system that overcomes the limitations of traditional solar power and won a national clean technology award.
Floating solar power projects are projects that install solar panels on water surfaces, such as lakes or artificial dams, instead of on land as usual. This system helps to take advantage of water surface area, reduce land use pressure and increase efficiency thanks to the natural cooling ability of water. This is a clean, sustainable energy solution, suitable for areas with limited land funds.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of floating solar power
The use of floating solar power and the construction of this system brings many advantages. However, there are also many disadvantages that need to be overcome.
Advantages of floating solar power:
- Save land area: No need to use land, take advantage of water surface space such as lakes, hydroelectric dams, wastewater treatment lakes.
- Increased power generation efficiency: The system is naturally cooled by water, helping to increase power output by 15-20% compared to traditional solar power.
- Reduced operations and maintenance (O&M) costs: The system is less affected by dirt and sand than on the ground, reducing maintenance work.
- Environmental protection: Limit tree cutting and forest clearing to clear land and preserve terrestrial ecosystems.
- Reduce evaporation: Reduces evaporation by up to 70%, very useful for drought areas.
- Water quality control: Reduces the growth of polluting algae, helping to protect freshwater resources.
Disadvantages of floating solar power:
- High investment costs: New technologies require specialized equipment and highly skilled engineers, increasing implementation costs.
- Natural resistance: The system is at risk of being affected by strong waves and winds, requiring the structure to be sufficiently strong.
- Water Corrosion: Solar panels need to be resistant to corrosion from salt water or salt mist, but current technology is not yet fully optimized.
- Not suitable for small scale: Only effective when installed on large areas with hundreds to thousands of panels, difficult to deploy with small systems.
3. Why is it said that Vietnam has great potential to exploit floating solar power?
Vietnam is a country with extremely favorable natural conditions for developing floating solar power thanks to its more than 3.200 km long coastline and dense network of rivers, lakes, and especially the hydroelectric reservoir system spanning the whole country.
Existing hydropower reservoirs not only provide a stable water source but also possess large water surfaces, creating ideal conditions for the installation of floating solar panels. Compared to land-based solar power, floating solar power projects in Vietnam have a clear advantage in taking advantage of available water surface areas, reducing pressure on increasingly scarce land funds. This helps to significantly save on site clearance costs – one of the biggest challenges when implementing renewable energy projects on land.
Besides, Vietnam is located in the tropical monsoon region, with high solar radiation, averaging 4-5 kWh/m²/day, especially in the Central and Southern regions.
Furthermore, compared to traditional energy projects, floating solar power helps limit deforestation and land clearance, while helping to reduce water evaporation and protect underwater ecosystems.
4. The largest floating solar power projects in Vietnam
4.1. Floating solar power project on Da Mi lake (Binh Thuan)
- Time of operation: Starting from May 5.
- Capacity: 47,5 MW.
- Total investment: More than 1.500 billion VND.
- Average electricity output: Expected over 69 million kWh/year.
- Usable area:
- On the lake surface: Nearly 57 hectares (solar panel installation).
- Above ground: Nearly 67 hectares (construction of transformer stations, inverters and power transmission lines).
- Characteristics: This is an independent power source project not yet included in the list of National Power Development Plan for the period 2011-2020. Binh Thuan Provincial People's Committee has requested the General Department of Energy (Ministry of Industry and Trade) to appraise and approve additional adjustments.
4.2. Floating solar power project at Buon Kuop hydropower reservoir (Dak Lak)
- Investor: Power Generation Corporation 3 (EVNGENCO 3).
- Capacity: 50 MW.
- Location: Buon Kuop Hydroelectric Reservoir, Dak Lak Province.
- Characteristics: The project is in the research phase, requiring assessment of environmental impacts on the ecosystem and aquaculture output.
4.3. Floating solar power project at Sre Pok hydropower reservoir (Dak Lak)
- Investor: Power Generation Corporation 3 (EVNGENCO 3).
- Capacity: 50 MW.
- Location: Sre Pok Hydroelectric Reservoir, Dak Lak Province.
- Characteristics: The project is in the research phase, it is necessary to consider factors affecting the aquatic environment and operational performance.
Currently, Vietnam is still in the early stages of developing floating solar power technology, so careful research on environmental impacts, especially the effects of water cover on aquatic ecosystems and power generation efficiency, is necessary before expanding deployment.
5. Introduction to the first and largest floating solar power project in Vietnam
The Da Mi Floating Solar Power Project is the first and largest floating solar power plant in Vietnam, invested by Da Nhim - Ham Thuan - Da Mi Hydropower Joint Stock Company, with a total investment of more than 1.400 billion VND. The project was built on the Da Mi hydropower reservoir (Binh Thuan) and put into operation in June 6, providing about 2019 million kWh/year. This is also the largest floating solar power project in Southeast Asia according to ADB's assessment, bringing many economic and environmental benefits, contributing to the national grid and sustainable development.
6. Conclusion
Above is the information about the largest floating solar power projects in Vietnam you are looking for. If you want to know more about projects related to floating solar power, please comment below. Follow GREEN IN now for more useful information.