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Enterprize Energy, pioneering low-carbon energy developer, is showing its commitment to the Just Transition through the signing of an accord with the Vietnamese National Assembly to safeguard local fishing communities throughout the development of Thang Long Wind, its combined 5.4 GW wind power / green hydrogen project in the country.
Pioneering low-carbon energy developer, Enterprize Energy, recently met in London with the Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Le Van Thanh, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding covering the ethical development of its two Thang Long offshore energy projects in Binh Thuan.
Around 450 fishing households have been given direct and ongoing insight and sway over the design decisions made in the wind farm’s ongoing development, including the inclusion of technologies to promote fish stocks at the site of installation, such as planted reefs. Compensation, in the form of free safety training and equipment and onshore refrigeration and storage units, was also part of the support package.
As part of the Just Transition, and Enterprize Energy’s ongoing commitment to culturally sensitive development, the MoU outlines infrastructural, ecological, and social preparedness to undertake the projects, citing recent purchases of existing offshore oil and gas substations for later use, extensive seabed and environmental impact surveys, and open lines of communication with local fishing families and businesses.
The Thang Long projects will continue to establish Vietnam within the group of leading countries in Asia in the joint offshore wind / hydrogen production field. While this is set to create a breakthrough for Vietnam’s future economy, adjacent parties to these developments must not be left behind in the wider energy transition as their ways of living, occupations, and local environments are impacted.
In surveys of over 400 individuals in the fishing industry of Binh Thuan, 17.6% felt local fishing conditions were very good, whilst 6.3% felt conditions were bad and very bad. However, 70% felt that these conditions had worsened in the last five years. Lack of fish diversity, unregulated or unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change were the most common explanations for this change.
When asked about the benefits of an offshore windfarm, the production of clean energy was viewed as the most significant output. The biggest concern for fishermen regarding the wind farm is the potential disturbances to their fishing activities. Issues around project build quality, pollution, and impact on marine life during construction were also mentioned; though 95.9% of fishermen are reported to be willing to assist with the project.
