The project, covering 35 hectares, has a designed capacity of 30MWp with total investment of 800 billion VND (US$35.4 million). More than 90,000 solar panels will be installed at the plant together with other advanced technologies.

Upon completion in the third quarter of this year, the plant will contribute 50 million kWh to the national grid yearly.

At the ground breaking ceremony, Chairman of BIM Group Doan Quoc Viet noted that the plant is significant to ensuring energy security, mitigating the impacts of climate change and bringing economic benefits to the nation.

AC Energy CEO Eric Francia said his company is interested in energy investment in Vietnam and wants to become a pioneer investor in renewable energy.

Ninh Thuan province holds good solar energy potential as it has average sunshine hours of 2,600-2,800 per year. The province is finalising a master plan for solar energy from 2016 to 2020 with a vision to 2030, which aims to generate some 2,000MW of electricity by 2020.