Project
NIRAS will carry out Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the 3.5GW La Gan offshore wind farm in Vietnam. (Archive photo).
NIRAS has been awarded a multimillion USD contract to conduct an international standard Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the 3.5GW La Gan offshore wind farm in the Binh Thuan province of Vietnam.
The La Gan project in the Southern part of Vietnam is being jointly developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Asiapetro and Novasia, and is expected to be one of the first large scale offshore wind farms in Vietnam.
NIRAS will work closely with several Vietnamese sub-contractors to deliver the services, including the Power Engineering Consulting JSC. No. 3 (PECC3), Vietnam Petroleum Institute - Center for Petroleum Safety and Environment (VPI-CPSE), Wild Tour & Research Service Co., LTD (Bird Vietnam), and the Center of Help for Indigenous Value Promotion and Sustainable Environment (CHIASE).
will be the capacity of the La Gan Offshore Wind Farm in Vietnam.
“NIRAS is extremely proud to be selected as the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment contractor for a pioneering project in a dynamic new market, by a consortium including one of the world’s leading offshore wind developers,” says Tim Norman, Director of NIRAS.
NIRAS has extensive global experience conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for offshore wind farms and have been involved in the industry since the first offshore wind farm was developed at Vindeby in Denmark in 1991.
Vietnam has a huge potential when it comes to offshore wind energy. Findings from the cooperation between the Danish Energy Agency and the Vietnamese Electrcity and Renewable Energy Authority show that Vietnam has a potential for 160 GW of offshore wind. Particularly where land is in short supply or where onshore wind speeds are not sufficient, offshore wind allows communities to access a clean, renewable and reliable electricity source.
When fully operational, the La Gan offshore windfarm will supply clean energy to a significant number of Vietnamese households and businesses.
The role of NIRAS is to ensure this offshore wind farm project is developed in the right place, environmental and community impact is minimised, and ultimately that clean, renewable and reliable electricity is delivered to the people of Binh Thuan.
This analytical process includes everything from analysing water to recording plants and animals with underwater cameras to recording seabirds, dolphins and whales, as well as analysing geophysical data to investigate submerged archaeology and cultural heritage. Likewise, NIRAS will also analyse marine traffic data and existing shipping patterns and engage with fishing communities to understand their use of the sea.
In the process, extensive skills and knowledge will be transferred to Vietnamese companies, who will gain valuable insight into Binh Thuan offshore conditions and learn about offshore wind, which will allow these companies to develop and service future offshore wind projects in Vietnam.
“Across our global portfolio, we strive to conduct our Environmental and Social Impact Assessments to the highest international standards, even when they are above local requirements. We are committed to supporting local suppliers and building environmentally friendly wind farms that promote the welfare, livelihood and sustainability of our local communities,” said Michael Hannibal, Partner at CIP.
As a first step in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process, NIRAS and its subcontractors will conduct extensive research and analysis on existing environmental conditions and investigate how the wind farm area is currently used by the community. Data will be gathered from a variety of sources including local and international databases.
Onshore and offshore field research will be carried out where information is dated or lacking. Such site measurements are typically taken over a period of up to 12 months.
These are some of NIRAS’ activities during the La Gan Offshore Wind Farm Project. These topics will be researched using local dedicated professional working alongside internationally recognised experts in their fields. Particular attention will be paid to species and habitats of international importance.
The analysis and recommendations will be scrutinised by the Vietnamese Government and investors to ensure that the project’s impact is minimised.
Supporting our clients to realise the potential of offshore wind
