The VND1.08 trillion (US$46.5 million) LIG solar power plant - the first of its kind in the central province of Quang Tri is expected to become operational in June.

The project’s investor, Licogi 13 Joint Stock Company, has installed 70 per cent of the plant, after having been assigned as the investor for the project by the provincial People’s Committee in June 2018.

The plant covers some 60ha in Gio Linh District’s Gio Thanh and Gio Hai communes with an initial operation period of 50 years.

Its capacity was designed at 49.5MW and producing 67.63kWh per year after becoming operational.

By the end of next month, all installation is expected to be completed, after which two months of test operations will begin.

Nguyen Duc Chinh, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said the province used land in areas which could not be exploited for man purposes and in difficult socio-economic conditions, like sandy areas.

Quang Tri has been focusing on becoming a solar power hub of the central region and has supported investors in the field via administrative procedure reform, improving the investment environment and offering preferential tax and land lease rates.

Three solar power projects are underway in Quang Tri with total capacity of some 150MW.

It also submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Industry and Trade for approval to add four other projects to energy planning with total capacity of 200MW. — VNS