US supports renewable power projects in Vietnam and Malawi

In an effort to drive renewable energy developments, US has provided two grants to fund feasibility studies for green energy projects in Vietnam and Malawi.

The first grant awarded by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is for the 300MW Phase III of the Bac Lieu offshore wind farm in Vietnam.

Vietnam based near shore wind project developer Cong Lyhas received the grant to carry out feasibility study for the project.

The firm already operates 16MW Phase I of the Bac Lieu offshore project, which had been commissioned in August 2013 and features 10 turbines from General Electric.

Cong Ly will be responsible for an assessment for wind resource and energy, review of permissions and land control issues, an electrical grid interconnection and foundation design, construction cost estimates, and a financing plan for the offshore facility.

USTDA country manager for south-East Asia Sarah Randolph said: "USTDA is pleased to support the increase of renewable energy production in Vietnam through the expansion of Bac Lieu.
"This grant represents the next step in a series of successful partnerships with Vietnam’s wind power sector."

The second grant has been awarded by USTDA for a proposed hydro energy project in northern parts of Malawi.

Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining (MNREM) of the Republic of Malawi, which received the funding, has appointed US-based Water Wheel International for the feasibility study.

MNREM principal secretary Ben Botolo said: "The government has embarked on working with independent power producers,"

"The support of USTDA and Water Wheel International will go a long way in the development of the energy sector in the country. This development supports the major power sector investment by the US government, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, whereby revamping of the power transmission system is underway across the country."

To be set up built on the Luweya River in the Nkhata Bay District, the African project will house a 15MW run-of-river system in its first phase, which will be further expanded to 35 MW in the next phase.