The MOIT Party's Committee have issued Resolution No. 21-NQ-BCSD dated 10 Jan 2020 on the principles and procedure of the amendment and supplement power development plan. We would like to update the very fresh news on priority of project inclusion in the upcoming power development plan.

Priority is given to power grid projects first, followed by power source projects. Moreover, it is given to the areas with less renewable energy projects and with the capacity to release power. The national power development plan, approved by the Prime Minister, only includes 220kV and above power grid projects and 50 MW and above power source projects. Solar power projects are temporarily not under individually inclusion.

Regarding power grid projects, the highest priority goes to the ones included in EVN's five-year Plan (approved by Prime Minister) and the 220kV transmission grid projects which are included in the Provincial PDP 2016-2025. Those projects are not subject to application requirements. The followed priority order is: (i)The projects included in PDP7 which adjust progress and scale; (ii) The projects help relieving hydroelectric and renewable power; (iii) Projects for new or adjusted load such as industrial zones or plants need large power; and (iv) Power connection projects which are included in the plan but not yet approved for connection or is proposed for adjustment.

Regarding power source projects, priority order is: (i) Wind projects with the capacity to finish plant and grid before 11/2021 in the areas without grid overload, therein prioritize the projects which have finished the first phrase, is proposing to increase capacity or is carrying out the second phrase using the existing connection infrastructure; (ii) sewage-to-power projects; (iii) biomass power; (iv) Hydroelectric projects prosing for capacity adjustment; (v) New hydroelectric power; (vi) Traditional projects, prioritize the ones with large renewable energy auxiliary (hydro, gas).

New guidance for the proposal of wind power projects has been released. Areas with less projects and capable to absorb more power such as Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Hau Giang, etc. would be prioritized. The areas with more projects follow, prefer the areas have taken into account power release. In addition, the evaluated projects would be reviewed first, followed by the others in chronological order.

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Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com or any other lawyer in our office listing if you have any questions or want to know more details on the above. Dr. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.

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