Enterprises in the energy industry proposed to include in the Draft Law on Electricity (amended) many open mechanisms on electricity prices, regulations on project investment, and the Government's commitment to the stability of electricity purchase and sale prices...
The Draft Law on Electricity (amended) is assessed by businesses as having introduced many regulations to build a competitive and transparent electricity market, diversifying ownership forms and business methods. From there, promoting investment and exploitation of wind power, solar power and other forms of renewable energy.
“We are very pleased that some of the Group’s comments have been incorporated and revised in this 5th Draft. We agree with the spirit of the revision aimed at ensuring consistency and keeping up with the current situation, facilitating the development of Vietnam’s electricity market as well as resolving outstanding issues in the development of renewable energy,” said Ms. Pham Linh Ngan, Head of the Secretariat of the Electricity and Energy Working Group of the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF).
However, when studying the terms in depth, many businesses are still concerned about the price of buying and selling electricity to Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN).
“We want to clarify whether the winning bid price is the price to sign the power purchase contract with EVN or not? Or the investor must renegotiate the power purchase price with EVN after winning the bid. We think that the winning bid price should be the price to sign the power purchase contract with EVN and not be renegotiated,” Ms. Ngan proposed.
Regarding rooftop solar power, although the Prime Minister has issued Decree 80/2024/ND-CP related to direct solar power purchase contracts, there is still a lack of specific mechanisms for investors.
Mr. Pham Dang An, Deputy General Director of Vu Phong Energy Group, said that the revised Draft Electricity Law this time includes sections on wholesale electricity between third parties, but it is necessary to add specific regulations allowing third-party investors to participate in rooftop solar power investment through power purchase contracts. This will help manufacturing enterprises access necessary financial resources, reduce cash flow pressure and promote the development of renewable energy.
“This is very necessary in the context of businesses aiming to use renewable energy and need flexible financial solutions to implement green transformation. If a manufacturing enterprise invests and operates on its own to serve itself, it will be very difficult to meet the requirements,” Mr. An proposed to add to the Draft.
To create more flexibility in electricity trading, Ms. Linh Ngan proposed that for power projects where the standard price has not been determined and for plants that buy and sell electricity directly through separate connection lines, the generator and the buyer are free to decide the electricity price.
In the Southern region, many businesses investing in rooftop solar power are facing difficulties related to connection and selling price. Mr. Nguyen Duy Thinh, Director of Investment and Project Development of SolarBK, said that according to the current Electricity Law, the concept of connection to the national grid has not been specifically defined. This is a very basic concept, but there are many different opinions in determining whether a project is connected to the national grid, indirectly or directly. "The Electricity Law needs to clarify this concept," he suggested.
Also related to grid connection, Mr. Pham Dang An proposed that the revised Electricity Law needs to detail issues related to rooftop solar power connection procedures and fire prevention and fighting safety standards.
Having specific regulations will ensure the safety of the national power system and protect the interests of investors, while helping businesses maximize the benefits of renewable energy projects.
Regarding investment in power projects, Lawyer Cao Tran Nghia, Nishimura & Asahi Vietnam Law Firm, said that foreign investors are very interested in the feasibility of funding stated in the Electricity Law to consider investment possibilities.
According to Mr. Nghia, if the electricity buyer like EVN is not guaranteed by the Government, sponsors will be hesitant to invest in energy projects in Vietnam. However, Mr. Nghia commented that in the current context of Vietnam, it is impossible to apply a Government guarantee. Therefore, to enhance the creditworthiness of state-owned enterprises like EVN, the Drafting Committee can include in Article 5 of the Draft a commitment from the Government to the stability of the buyer's operations during the implementation of the electricity purchase contract, including the payment of EVN's debts to investors, ensuring the cash flow for investors and project sponsors.
Source: https://baodautu.vn/de-xuat-nhieu-co-che-mo-khi-sua-luat-dien-luc-d224604.html
Comment (0)