On August 30, the Ministry met with the Ministry of Public Security’s Investigation Agency (A09) to discuss the projects under investigation.

The projects were transferred to the investigative authorities following a Government Inspectorate report that raised concerns over the legal and regulatory basis for the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s approval of these projects. Specifically, the projects were flagged for being added to the plan without proper legal justification.

According to the Ministry of Public Security’s Investigation Agency, more time is needed to thoroughly assess all 154 projects. As a result, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has yet to advise the government on how to address the issues surrounding these solar projects.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will base its recommendations on the findings of the Ministry of Public Security, while working with local authorities and other stakeholders to find solutions for the projects that have already been allocated to investors. The Ministry aims to present these solutions to higher authorities for review and approval.

In addition, the Ministry has been working closely with the Government Inspectorate on violations related to wind power and small hydropower projects, as noted in the Inspectorate’s Conclusion 1027.

The Ministry has reviewed seven wind power projects approved by the Prime Minister but mentioned in the Government Inspectorate’s report. These projects are located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ninh Thuan, and Dak Lak provinces.

During recent discussions, the Ministry highlighted other renewable energy projects awaiting approval under the Power Development Plan VIII. Several wind power projects are located on mineral-rich land in Dak Nong and Binh Thuan provinces, raising further concerns.

The Ministry has requested that the Government Inspectorate respond promptly to its inquiries to provide a clearer basis for recommending how these projects should be handled in the next phase of the Power Development Plan.

As part of the updated Power Development Plan VIII, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has also recommended that local authorities explore the potential for additional small hydropower, renewable energy, and other power sources to support the country's growing energy needs.

In related developments, the Ministry is also studying the possibility of allowing private solar power production and consumption within industrial zones. This proposal, supported by independent energy expert Dr. Cao Anh Tuan, suggests third-party investments in rooftop solar power systems for self-consumption within industrial parks and export processing zones.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha with directing the Ministry of Industry and Trade to incorporate these suggestions into a draft decree on rooftop solar power development, with a report due by September 10.

Tam An