FILE - A U.S. P-8A Poseidon reconaissance plane flies near Chinese structures and buildings on the man-made Fiery Cross Reef at the Spratlys group of islands in the South China Sea are seen on March 20, 2022. The U.S. 7th Fleet says a Navy P-8A Poseidon flew through the Taiwan Strait dividing China from the self-governing island democracy and close U.S. partner on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, a day after the U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs held their first talks since Nov. 2022 in an effort to reduce regional tensions. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)
KHANH HOA (Vietnam): More than 30 locations in the Khanh Hoa Province’s Truong Sa Island District are now powered by clean energy, a feat that would not have been possible without the efforts of electricians who are working tirelessly to improve the lives of people here.
In 2017, the state utility group Vietnam Electricity (EVN) officially took over and revamped the outdated solar power system installed across the offshore platforms (known as DK1 rigs) and the surrounding islands in Truong Sa (internationally known as the Spratly Islands).
Ho Thai Yen Kha, now the deputy director of Ninh Thuan Power Co under the EVN, was part of the new operation team.
“At that time, a lot of equipment in the solar power system had deteriorated and the power supply was low, so power use was very limited, “ he said.
“Many locations in the area had to use backup power sources or take energy-saving measures, and prioritising electricity for key activities at nightfall.”
During summer days, the soldiers on the platforms had to sleep amid the stifling heat as there was no power to run electric fans, Kha recalled.
“Electricians like us couldn’t help but feel sorry for them and felt like we owed them a good night’s sleep.
“Such convenience was a normalcy on the mainland, but it was a luxury on islands and rigs in the middle of the sea,” he said.
Senior Colonel Cao Van Son, now deputy logistics chief of the navy, was among the soldiers on the island during 1997-1998.
On his recent return to the islands with the Vietnamese navy, Son said: “Now, the entire power system here has improved.
“Sufficient electricity supply means people and soldiers on the islands of Truong Sa can have a good night’s sleep during hot weather. It also ensures healthcare and improves the quality of life for those living on these islands and rigs.”
Having been working on Song Tu Tay Island (internationally known as Southwest Cay) for nearly a year, military doctor Nguyen Xuan Hai added that medical equipment and facilities here have also improved, with electricity and water secured not just every day, but also backed up.
“This means better treatment and examination for the patients,” said Hai.
Engineering challenges
In the mission to ensure the power supply to the outlying islands, electricians not only have to withstand a challenging working condition of strong winds and scorching heat. They also have to make use of the allotted time at each location to ensure the optimal operations of the power system.
The harsh sun, winds and salt from the sea often quickly oxidises machinery connecting points, resulting in poor electrical contact, said Vo Hoang Tuan, deputy head of Ninh Thuan Power’s technical department, as he performed a regular check-up on the batteries at Song Tu Tay power station.
Frequent environmental impacts over an extensive period of time mean the devices are susceptible to damage, especially batteries and solar panels.
“Good maintenance will ensure stable operations, but not for long because the harsh weather will wear things out very quickly,” said Tuan.
Each maintenance trip also requires tremendous manpower, the electricians said, as they need to load and unload all their equipment and tools on a boat to move between different islands in the area.
Despite the hardship, Ninh Thuan Power deputy director Kha emphasised that the goal of his company is to strive for the highest power efficiency for people and troops stationed across the islands and platforms.
With a large proportion of sunny days all year round, the Truong Sa Islands and DK1 rigs are considered ideal for solar power development to meet electricity demand, while reducing emmissions and contributing to sustainable development.
Better supply
According to Dinh The Phuc, a board member of EVN, the goal is to equip the DK1 rigs and the surrounding islands with a clean energy system running around the clock by 2025.
“EVN aims that by 2026, the entire clean energy system on the Truong Sa Islands will have power backup of up to 36 hours,” he added.
Nguyen Ngoc Ngan, who has been working as an electricity engineer on DA Dong A Islet in the archipelago for years, agrees that the new solar power system has greatly improved the quality of life here, compared to the petrol and diesel-fuelled generators in the past.
“What I hope for the most right now is that authorities continue to coordinate and invest in the best equipment and increase the number of power systems compatible with the islands’ current infrastructure.
“Ensuring a stable power supply will not only encourage but also elevate the spirit of soldiers who are guarding our homeland’s skies, seas and islands,” said Ngan. — Viet Nam News/ANN
