The BIM 2 Solar Power Plant O&M success story demonstrates how initiative and professionalism can lead to world-class results in the renewable energy sector. Engineers from Vu Phong Tech, a subsidiary of Vu Phong Energy Group, have progressively mastered advanced technology to deliver exceptional outcomes in the operation and maintenance of this key facility in Thuan Nam, Ninh Thuan. This case study highlights the critical role of expert O&M in maximizing a solar plant’s efficiency, availability, and return on investment. It serves as a benchmark for excellence in the management of large-scale solar assets, showcasing a blend of technical skill, strategic planning, and a commitment to sustainable energy development in Vietnam.
A Landmark Project in Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Landscape
The BIM 2 solar power plant, with a capacity of 250 MWp, is a cornerstone of the Green Economic Complex developed by BIM Group in Ninh Thuan, representing a total investment of VND 12,000 billion. Upon its commissioning in April 2019, it was recognized as one of the first and largest solar power plants in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s Ninh Thuan solar power initiatives.
BIM 2 solar power plant is one of Vietnam’s first and largest solar power plants
From Construction Partner to O&M Leader: A Journey of Trust and Expertise
After its initial involvement in the plant’s construction, Vu Phong Energy Group earned the trust of the project’s main contractor, Bouygues Energies & Services of France. Through a comprehensive training and technology transfer program, Vu Phong Tech was empowered to take full responsibility for the O&M of the entire BIM 2 solar power plant cluster, which includes the expanded 75 MWp phase. This transition demonstrates a successful collaboration built on developing local expertise to meet global standards.
Achieving World-Class Performance Through Technological Mastery
Through strategic cooperation with leading enterprises like Bouygues and AC Renewable, combined with the proactive learning of its highly qualified engineers, Vu Phong Tech has systematically mastered the technology and refined its standard operating procedures. The engineering team developed a comprehensive statistical table of hundreds of common errors encountered during operations, proposing efficient solutions and processes to overcome them. This dedication to optimizing solar plant operation and maintenance has yielded consistently excellent results.
O&M activities at the Solar Farm
Thanks to this mastery of technology and operational flexibility, Vu Phong’s O&M work has achieved world-class performance metrics, earning praise and rewards from partners and investors. Professional O&M enables the BIM 2 Solar Power Plant to operate with a solar farm availability of more than 99.9 percent, significantly higher than the committed target of 97 percent. In 2020, the plant reached an astonishing 99.99 percent availability, a figure that stands among the best globally.
Results of 3-year availability rate and performance ratio (PR) indexes in the 3rd year of operation of BIM 2 solar farm.
Leveraging Advanced Technology for Optimal Efficiency
To achieve these Vu Phong Tech BIM 2 solar power plant O&M results, the team utilizes a suite of modern technologies to assist and optimize activities. Key innovations include:
- Data collection technology by ATS for comprehensive monitoring of electrical parameters, incidents, and weather conditions.
- In-house researched, designed, and manufactured solar panel cleaning robots that enhance cleaning efficiency while minimizing electricity and water consumption.
- Drone inspection for thermal scanning to detect panel faults and for general site surveys of internal roads, drainage, and vegetation, which optimizes human resources and increases efficiency.
The Core Benefits of Professional Solar O&M Services
Effective O&M practices are fundamental to minimizing risks during plant operation, enabling immediate detection of problems, and reducing system repair times. Consequently, the solar power plant operates with consistency and high efficiency. This directly improves the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and enhances the overall return on investment (ROI), delivering maximum economic benefits to the investor. The professional operation and maintenance provided by Vu Phong Tech ensures that the asset performs at its peak potential throughout its lifecycle.
Commitment to Sustainable Growth and Local Development
By mastering complex processes and technologies, Vu Phong actively trains and develops a team of local engineers for the maintenance and operation of solar power plants. This initiative creates high-income jobs and contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that Vu Phong pursues, particularly Goal 7 – Affordable and clean energy, and Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth. This commitment reflects a comprehensive approach to operating and maintaining solar power plants that balances economic goals with social responsibility.
On the 3rd anniversary of the BIM 2 Solar Power Plant, Mr. Phong, Pham Nam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vu Phong Energy Group, thanked the operation team for their continuous improvements. In an event attended by the Board of Directors, partners from Bouygues Energies & Services, and engineers, he expressed sincere gratitude to the customers and partners who have trusted Vu Phong on the journey to “Develop clean energy for the green environment and sustainable development.”
Vu Phong Energy Group
