Vietnam’s state-owned power utility, EVNGENCO1, has unveiled plans to develop 270MW of new floating solar PV capacity across three hydropower reservoirs located in the Lam Dong province. The proposed initiative includes a 96MW installation at Dai Ninh Lake, a 100MW site at Ham Thuan Lake, and a 70MW project at Da Mi Lake. By utilizing existing water surfaces, the utility aims to boost renewable energy generation while maximizing reservoir efficiency. This strategic expansion aligns with the nation’s revised Power Development Plan VIII, which prioritizes increasing clean energy capacity and strengthening the overall reliability of the country’s electricity grid.
The utility, a subsidiary of Vietnam Electricity, identified the Lam Dong region as a prime location for floating solar due to its established hydropower infrastructure. Officials noted that floating PV technology offers a significant advantage by allowing for the expansion of renewable energy without requiring additional land. This approach builds upon the success of the 49MW Da Mi Lake floating solar project, which began operations in 2019 and serves as a proven model for these larger, upcoming developments. The total investment for these three new projects is estimated at approximately VND4.4 billion.
Floating solar is becoming an increasingly vital component of the energy transition across Southeast Asia, where land availability for large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaics is often limited. Industry analysts have highlighted the technology as a key driver for regional solar growth, a trend evidenced by major projects currently underway elsewhere, such as the 300MW installation in Malaysia. As the sector matures, technical standards and guidelines—such as those recently released by DNV regarding design, maintenance, and mooring technology—are being established to ensure the long-term operational success and safety of these floating solar modules.