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WELCOME ADDRESS
TO ‘ASIA 2018’ CONFERENCE
in Da Nang – VIETNAM
13-15 March 2018 |
Delivered by Prof.DrSc. PHAM Hong Giang,
Chairman of the Vietnam National Committee on Large Dams (VNCOLD)
at the Opening Ceremony of the ‘ASIA 2018’ Conference
First of all, I would like to thank Aqua-Media and Mrs. Alison Bartle for such an opportunity in this Opening Ceremony of the ‘ASIA 2018’ Conference. On behalf of the VNCOLD, I would like to welcome you participants from all parts of the globe to this sunshiny city on the beautiful coast in Central Vietnam for a reputable Conference.
We are also pleasant to see those again who came here for ASIA 2008 ten years ago. ASIA 2008 has been an unforgettable memory and VNCOLD was proud to be part of its success. Two years later, in 2010, the 78th ICOLD Annual Conference in Hanoi was also successfully hosted by us.
In the last 10 years, our national development in general and the Vietnamese achievements in dam sector in particular have been recognized. High RCC dams as Son La Dam (138m) for 2400 MW capacity, and Lai Chau Dam (130m) for 1200 MW capacity have been completed. A CFRD Cua Dat Dam is 118m high. A number of small and medium dams have been developed. More hydro dams are being prepared to contribute more electricity production to the country.
Apart from the hydro dams, other dams for salinity control have been constructed by river mouths such as Thao Long Sluice Barrage with 500m long in Hue City downstream. Tide and inundation control barrages in Ho Chi Minh City are being implemented.
Besides those achievements, the water resource development in Vietnam is also challenged by
(i) the natural riverbed moving process and unintegrated development activities;
(ii) critical river contamination;
(iii) climate change with extreme climatic events which may threaten hydraulic works, and
(iv) water resource insecurity since 62% of the country’s surface water is from inter-border rivers.
Any upstream structure in the inter-border rivers may adversely affect downstream basin where Vietnam is located. The fresh water source in the Mekong Delta may be destroyed in the dry season, threatening livelihood of nearly 20 million inhabitants. Fresh water storage options for use in dry season are considered, in which in-bay barrages creating coastal reservoirs where possible might be worthy. For example, a barrage in Rach Gia Bay (in west Mekong Delta) may store 3 billion m3 of fresh water.
With regard to dam safety in Vietnam, small and medium embankments are important issues. Most of the embankments of these kinds which were made dozens of years ago by local people have become unsafe in flood season. We highly appreciate the investment support from the World Bank and technical assistance for dam safety from New Zealand.
Multi-purpose dam operation for efficient and integrated surface water use in economic activities, livelihood and disaster management demands great effort in the context of rapid changes in economic and livelihood structure.
Hydropower accounts for 35% of total national electricity in Vietnam. The possible spots for hydro power exploitation may be not available in the coming future. Similar to other countries, ours is considering to expand and elevate existing dams, and improve the operation to utilize the hydropower. The country’s energy demand is increasing. The total electricity production should be 61000 MW by 2020, and 96500 MW by 2025. Other recycled sources such as wind and solar power have been paid attention. Some projects have been implemented in south Central and south Vietnam with modest scales.
Vietnamese experts in dam development have developed and involved in international operation. We hope these kinds of academic activities, including ASIA, will provide opportunities of meetings and discussion for our international operation.
I would say with my absolute confidence on the complete success of the Conference because of its significant theme, excellent Aqua - Media efforts and the valuable contribution of all partipants.
I hope you much enjoy a pleasant time at ASIA 2018 in our country.
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