Clean energy development fund

MANILA  -- The Philippines' Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) has not produced any electricity since it was finished in 1984, despite its $2.3 billion price tag and its promise of energy security during the 1970s oil crisis. Approved by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his son and new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has revived discussions on proposals to rehabilitate the site amid the current energy crisis that has pushed prices for traditional power generating fuels coal and natural gas to records. The BNPP's potential revival is one sign of the renewed interest in nuclear power. Governments across Europe and Asia are extending their aging fleet of nuclear plants, restarting reactors and dusting off plans to resume projects shelved after the 2011 nuclear crisis in Fukushima, Japan. Both the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden and the International Energy Agency have said nuclear power is critical for countries to meet global net-zero carbon emissions goals and … [Read more...] about Analysis: Global energy crisis drives rethink of nuclear power projects

Can you give an overview of SANSE, its goals, and past results? Nguyen Trang Linh, head of development at SANSE, founded in 2016 by students at the United Nations International School in Hanoi SANSE’s mission is to promote the sustainable growth of impoverished, geographically challenged, and agriculturally dependent regions in Vietnam; foster an understanding and connection between urban and rural communities; and promote the local educational systems and other learning opportunities as a tool to assist the sustainable growth of rural regions in Vietnam. We’re currently working to achieve these goals in the ethnic Tay village of Ban Lien in Lao Cai by providing infrastructure and education. Over the last six years of operation, we’ve invested around $8,700 into building new roofs, a well, and a kindergarten in Ban Lien. We’ve also helped to provide equipment for a medical station in the area. We’re now planning to build a library for the primary and middle … [Read more...] about SANSE prepares youth for sustainable development

CapitaLand Development (CLD) has entered into plenty of new development deals across many different businesses in Vietnam. What is your exact development strategy in Vietnam? Ronald Tay, CEO of CapitaLand Development (Vietnam) Vietnam is one of our core markets, and we are committed to being a long-term partner contributing to Vietnam’s economic development. Having been part of Vietnam’s growth for 28 years, CLD’s portfolio comprises one retail mall, two integrated developments, and more than 13,000 quality homes across 17 residential developments. Over the next five years, we aim to accelerate our investment in the country, doubling our capital allocation to grow our portfolio in Vietnam. Our real estate expertise, coupled with our extensive local knowledge, places us in a strong position to scale up our investments in township developments, logistics, industrial, and business parks as well as seek opportunities to expand into data centres. Our recent investments … [Read more...] about CapitaLand Development enhances its operations

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has suggested the Government remove coal-fired plants with a capacity of 14,120 megawatts from Power Development Plan VIII (for 2021-30), which is currently being drafted. Illustrative image (Source: VNA) The move aims to achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2050, the ministry explained, adding that the plants were included in Power Development Plan VII (for 2011-20). Out of the 14,120 MW, 8,420 MW are from coal plants where State-owned enterprises have been assigned as the main investors, including Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industries Group. The ministry also wants to reduce the ratio of coal-fired power sources from 25.7-31% in 2030 to around 10% in 2045. It plans to increase output from LNG-fueled and renewable plants to offset the cut in coal use, with about 14,000 MW of LNG during the 2030-2045 period, and 11,700-13,921 MW of … [Read more...] about Ministry proposes removing coal plants from energy plan

The city would continue to explore opportunities to build new social housing projects to meet growing public demand. The Hanoi People’s Committee has instructed investors to complete the planning process for five concentrated social housing projects in a combined area of 273 hectares. A social housing project at Dong Ngac Ward, Bac Tu Liem District. Photo: Cong Hung To date, the authorities have approved the detailed planning for two projects at Tien Duong Commune, Dong Anh District. The remaining three at Co Bi Commune (Gia Lam District), Ngoc Hoi Commune (Thanh Tri District), and Dai Mach Commune (Dong Anh District) are still under planning. Hanoi’s authorities aimed to construct up to two social housing projects during the 2021-2030 period, and complete the preparation process for the remaining three. In case of positive progress in the investment procedures for all three projects, the city would raise the target from two social housing projects in … [Read more...] about Hanoi to develop five social housing projects

The strong message sent by Vietnam’s Prime Minister at COP26 has significantly improved the country’s image in the eyes of international investors. Many UK investment funds are ready to come to Vietnam following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s commitments at COP26 for net zero carbon emission by 2050. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and UK Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward. Source: VGP UK outgoing Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward gave the remarks during a farewell meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 2. According to Ward, the strong message sent by Chinh at COP26 has significantly improved Vietnam’s image in the eyes of international investors. The UK, in this regard, would continue to accompany Vietnam in sustainable development, especially in fighting climate change and pursuing green growth, Ward said. Prime Minister Chinh highly regarded Ward’s contribution during his term, which contributed to the progress of the Vietnam-UK … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s COP26 commitments drive attention from UK investment funds