This carbon offset project provides renewable energy in one of the poorest provinces of Vietnam. The construction of a mini hydropower plant supplies clean electricity to the national grid. The activity reduces the consumption of energy produced by coal, gas or diesel plants and thus leads to reduced carbon emissions.

Vietnam has experienced an increased energy demand due to its economic development in recent years. Often, coal, gas and diesel plants are used to supply the grid. Generating energy by burning fossil fuels causes climate-damaging greenhouse gases and the emission of other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

At this moment, the project has created 24 jobs for local people working to improve their quality of life in this area.

-Mrs Hương, CEO of the myclimate partner organisation Lala HPP

To replace fossil fuels with renewable energy, three turbines were installed, each with one megawatt capacity, thus connecting a total of three megawatts to the grid. A dam, over four metres in height, keeps the water in a reservoir with a maximum area of 31,000 square metres. The water flows through a channel and a pressure pipeline to the engine house where electricity is generated by the turbines and fed into the national grid.

Since the project started operating, local people here have benefited greatly: indigenous people in areas with poor conditions can use electricity.

-Mr Xoa, mayor of Tan Thuan village

The project contributes to sustainable development not only by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also by promoting renewable technology in a country where economic development increases energy demand. In addition, the construction of the plant created permanent jobs in an area with high unemployment and where access to work is highly valued. Furthermore, the road, built thanks to the project, helps to sell agricultural products better and to improve health care in the villages.