Bac Lieu Wind Farm: A Pioneer in Offshore Wind Power
Bac Lieu Wind Farm holds a significant place in Vietnam's renewable energy landscape. Here's a detailed look at this wind farm:
First Offshore Wind Farm in Asia
Located in the East Dam region of Bac Lieu province, Vietnam, Bac Lieu Wind Farm holds the distinction of being Asia's first offshore wind farm. Developed on a 540-hectare site, this near-shore wind farm harnesses the power of wind in the South China Sea.
Project Capacity and Details
Bac Lieu Wind Farm boasts a capacity of 99.2 megawatts (MW). GE Renewable Energy supplied the wind turbines, with 62 units of the GE 1.6-82.5 model installed. Each turbine has a capacity of 1.6 MW and a rotor diameter of 82.5 meters.
Environmental Impact
The wind farm contributes significantly to Vietnam's clean energy goals. Annually, it generates a gross electricity output of 335.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh). This clean power source also offsets an impressive 151,331 tons of CO₂ emissions every year.
Project Status
The first phase of Bac Lieu Wind Farm is operational. There's information available that suggests a phase III, intertidal wind farm is under construction with a targeted capacity of 142 MW.
Bac Lieu Wind Farm serves as a testament to Vietnam's commitment to renewable energy. Its success has paved the way for further development of offshore wind farms in the region.
Bac Lieu Wind Farm: A Historical Look at Asia's First Offshore Wind Project
The Bac Lieu Wind Farm holds a special place in Vietnamese history, being the first of its kind in Asia. Here's a glimpse into its development:
Early Days (2010):
- Construction for the Bac Lieu Wind Farm kicked off in September 2010. This marked a significant step for Vietnam's renewable energy sector.
Phased Development:
- The project wasn't built all at once. It involved a multi-phase approach, with the first phase achieving grid connection in May 2013.
GE Steps In (2013):
- General Electric (GE) played a crucial role by supplying 62 of their 1.6-megawatt wind turbines for the project's second phase. This contract signing, witnessed by US Secretary of State John Kerry, further solidified the project's importance.
Full Operation Achieved (2016):
- After meticulous development, the Bac Lieu Wind Farm reached full operational capacity in January 2016. This marked a significant milestone for clean energy in Vietnam.
Beyond Phase I & II:
- While details are limited, there's evidence suggesting a phase III for the Bac Lieu Wind Farm. This intertidal wind farm might target a capacity of 142 MW, signifying continued expansion of the project.
Bac Lieu's Legacy:
- The Bac Lieu Wind Farm stands as a symbol of Vietnam's pioneering spirit in the realm of offshore wind power. Its success has undoubtedly paved the way for further development of such projects in the region, contributing to a cleaner energy future.
Bac Lieu Wind Farm: A Look at the Wind Turbine Technology
The Bac Lieu Wind Farm utilizes wind turbine technology specifically chosen to maximize efficiency and match the wind conditions in the South China Sea. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
Turbine Model:
The wind farm relies on the GE 1.6-82.5 wind turbine model, supplied by GE Renewable Energy.
Capacity and Specifications:
- Each GE 1.6-82.5 turbine boasts a capacity of 1.6 megawatts (MW).
- These turbines feature a rotor diameter of 82.5 meters. The rotor is the sweeping blade section that captures wind energy. A larger diameter allows for capturing more wind.
- The chosen turbines are designed for "Class III" wind conditions, indicating they are suitable for moderate to high wind speeds, which aligns with the wind patterns in the Bac Lieu location.
Bac Lieu Wind Farm Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Offshore Wind Farm |
| Location | East Dam Region, Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam |
| Capacity | 99.2 Megawatts (MW) |
| Number of Turbines | 62 |
| Turbine Model | GE 1.6-82.5 |
| Turbine Capacity (per unit) | 1.6 Megawatts (MW) |
| Rotor Diameter | 82.5 meters |
| Wind Class | III (Moderate to High Wind Speeds) |
| Gross Electricity Output (annual) | 335.2 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) |
| CO2 Emissions Offset (annual) | 151,331 tons |
| Status | Operational (Phase I & II); Phase III (under construction - details limited) |
| Turbine Supplier | GE Renewable Energy |
Technology Highlights:
While specific details about the inner workings of the turbines might not be publicly available, some general technological advancements in wind turbines can be considered:
- Modern wind turbines utilize variable-speed generators that can adjust their rotation speed to optimize energy capture based on wind conditions.
- Advanced blade design incorporates aerodynamic principles to maximize wind capture efficiency and minimize noise generation.
- Control systems and monitoring play a crucial role. These systems ensure the turbines operate efficiently, track wind data, and optimize performance.
GE's Role:
GE Renewable Energy's involvement goes beyond just supplying the turbines. They likely provided technical expertise during installation and may also be responsible for ongoing maintenance (O&M) services for the wind farm (Bac Lieu Wind Farm I), ensuring the turbines function optimally over their lifespan.
In conclusion, the Bac Lieu Wind Farm leverages proven and reliable wind turbine technology from GE Renewable Energy. The chosen model and its specifications are well-suited to the wind conditions in the South China Sea, contributing to the project's success in generating clean energy.