Offshore Wind Development Program VIET NAM OFFSHORE WIND SECTORAL PLANNING FUNDED BY: © 2024 The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of The World Bank with external contributions from BVG Associates. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank and its Board of Executive Directors. The World Bank do not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colours, denominations and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgement on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. All queries on rights and licenses should be addressed to the Publishing and Knowledge Division, The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; email: pubrights@worldbank.org. Cover Photo: Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin / Shutterstock.com Back Cover Photo: Burbo Bank Extension offshore wind farm/© Vestas CONTENTS Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII Offshore wind marine spatial planning in Viet Nam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VIII About this report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX Approach and assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX Key findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XI Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XIII 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1. Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2. Aims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.3. Overall approach to spatial planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2. Spatial planning process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.1. Data sourcing and assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.2. Stakeholder engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2.3. Spatial modelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.4. Potential development areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 2.5. Stakeholder consultation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 3. Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Appendix A: Project data layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Appendix B: Constraints and values to consider in future planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Contents I FIGURES AND TABLES LIST FIGURES Figure 0.1 High-level approach to spatial planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX Figure 0.2 Map of Development Blocks for the 2030 and 2040 deployment scenarios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . XII Figure 1.1 High-level approach to spatial planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Figure 2.1 Overview of the spatial planning process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Figure 2.2 Study area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Figure 2.3 Exclusion model map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Figure 2.4 Technical hard constraints data layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Figure 2.5 Shipping density data layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Figure 2.6 Biodiversity sensitivity map data layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Figure 2.7 Priority social values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Figure 2.8 Social sensitivity map data layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Figure 2.9 Levelized cost of energy data layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Figure 2.10 Map of Development Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Figure 2.11 Potential grid connection locations data layer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Figure 2.12 Map of Development Blocks for the 2030 deployment scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Figure 2.13 Map of Development Blocks in the north study area for the 2030 deployment of scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Figure 2.14 Map of Development Blocks in the central study area for the 2030 deployment scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Figure 2.15 Map of Development Blocks in the south study area for the 2030 deployment scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Figure 2.16 Map of Development Blocks for 2040 deployment scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Figure 2.17 Map of Development Blocks in the north study area for the 2040 deployment scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Figure 2.18 Map of Development Blocks in the central study area for the 2040 deployment scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Figure 2.19 Map of Development Blocks in the south study area for the 2040 deployment scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Figure 3.1 Map of Development Block 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Figure 3.2 Map of Development Block 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Figure 3.3 Map of Development Block 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 II Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Figure 3.4 Map of Development Block 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Figure 3.5 Map of Development Block 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Figure 3.6 Map of Development Block 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Figure 3.7 Map of Development Block 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Figure 3.8 Map of Development Block 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Figure 3.9 Map of Development Block 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Figure 3.10 Map of Development Block 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Figure 3.11 Map of Development Block 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Figure 3.12 Map of Development Block 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Figure 3.13 Map of Development Block 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Figure 3.14 Map of Development Block 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 TABLES Table 0.1 Viet Nam technical potential area assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X Table 2.1 Viet Nam technical potential area assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Table 2.2 Data layer used to inform the technical hard constraints map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Table 2.3 Data layers used to inform the biodiversity sensitivity map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Table 2.4 Scores applied for biodiversity and broad implications for offshore wind development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Table 2.5 Data layers used to inform the social sensitivity map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Table 2.6 Scores applied for social sensitivities and broad implications for offshore wind development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Table 2.7 Assumed characteristics of the reference offshore wind project, based on 2021 LCOE analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Table 2.8 Data layer used in the exclusion model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Table 2.9 2030 deployment scenario assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Table 2.10 2040 deployment scenario assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Table 2.11 North study area 2030 Development Block’s sensitivities and constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Table 2.12 Central study area 2030 Development Block’s sensitivities and constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Table 2.13 South study area 2030 Development Block’s sensitivities and constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Table 2.14 North study area 2040 Development Block’s sensitivities and constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Table 2.15 Central study area 2040 Development Block’s sensitivities and constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Table 2.16 South study area 2040 Development Block’s sensitivities and constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Table 2.17 Stakeholder workshop inputs and impacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Table 3.1 Project data layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Table 3.2 Constraints and values to consider in future planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Figures and Tables List III Table 3.3 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Table 3.4 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Table 3.5 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Table 3.6 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Table 3.7 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Table 3.8 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Table 3.9 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Table 3.10 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Table 3.11 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Table 3.12 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Table 3.13 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Table 3.14 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Table 3.15 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Table 3.16 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Table 3.17 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Table 3.18 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Table 3.19 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Table 3.20 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Table 3.21 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Table 3.22 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Table 3.23 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Table 3.24 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Table 3.25 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Table 3.26 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Table 3.27 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Table 3.28 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Table 3.29 Sensitivities and constraints associated with Development Block 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Table 3.30 Sensitivities and constraints associated with the associated export corridor for Development Block 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 IV Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning GLOSSARY Acronym Definition AIS Automatic identification system AVISTEP Avian Sensitivity Tool for Energy Planning BVGA BVG Associates CR Critically endangered CTV Crew transfer vessel DTU Technical University of Denmark EBSA Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area EN Endangered ESMAP Energy Sector Management Assistance Program GEBCO The General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans HVAC High voltage alternating current HVDC High voltage direct current IBAT Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool IMMA Important Marine Mammal Area IoE Institute of Energy IRA Internationally Recognized Area IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature KBA Key Biodiversity Area LCOE Levelized cost of energy LPA Legally Protected Area MARD Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development MCST Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism MOIT Ministry of Industry and Trade MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MPA Marine Protected Area OECM Other effective area-based conservation measure OMS Operations, Maintenance and Service PDP8 Power Development Plan VIII RH Royal HaskoningDHV SOV Service operation vessel TBC The Biodiversity Consultancy VASI Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands WACC Weighted average cost of capital WB The World Bank WDPA World Database on Protected Area Glossary V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was produced by the team from the World Bank’s Energy Global Practice and the East Asia and Pacific Region. The team thankfully acknowledges the generous grant funding support from the Australia — World Bank Group Strategic Partnership Program — Phase 2 (ABP2). This planning report was prepared, under contract to the World Bank, by BVG Associates in association with Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV), The Biodiversity Consultancy (TBC) and the Vietnam Institute of Energy (IoE). The planning report was commissioned and supervised by Thi Ba Chu (Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank), Zayra Romo (Program Leader for Infrastructure and Energy Sector Coordinator, World Bank), Chiara Odetta Rogate (Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank), and supported by Anh Hoang Le (Consultant, World Bank). Direction for this planning work was provided by the World Bank Group’s Offshore Wind Development team, including Mark Leybourne (Offshore Wind Advisor, ESMAP/World Bank), Sean Whittaker (Principal Industry Specialist, IFC), Lori Anna Conzo (Senior Environmental Specialist, IFC), and Pernille Skyt (Offshore Wind Environmental Advisor, ESMAP/World Bank). Peer review was carried out by Jenny Maria Hasselsten (Senior Energy Specialist, ESMAP/World Bank), Hang Thi Thu Tran (Senior Investment Officer, IFC). We are thankful for their time and feedback. The publication process was led by Yi Yao (Infrastructure Specialist, World Bank) in collaboration with Khanh-Linh Thi Le (Program Assistant, World Bank), Anh Hoang Le (Consultant, World Bank), and colleagues from the World Bank’s Cartography Unit and Printing Services. We are exceptionally grateful to the wide range of stakeholders that provided feedback during the report consultation process, and especially to all of the inputs provided by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), and Vietnam Agency of Sea and Islands (VASI). Particular recognition is given to Neil Douglas and Patrick Whelan of BVG Associates for leading the consultancy team and for their enthusiasm and dedication to this topic. VI Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Photo: Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin / Shutterstock.com Executive summary VII OFFSHORE WIND MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING IN VIET NAM Viet Nam has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.1 This will require increasing diversity in Viet Nam’s electricity supply, a transition to renewable electricity generation, and a reduction in the dependence on coal for electricity generation. Offshore wind holds significant potential for Viet Nam as a large-scale, clean, and reliable form of electricity generation. In 2023, with the approval of the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), Viet Nam set a target to install at least 6 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and between 70 GW and 91.5 GW by 2050. With the planned large-scale deployment of offshore wind in Viet Nam, marine spatial planning is critical. This was highlighted in the World Bank’s Offshore Wind Roadmap for Viet Nam which recommended that marine spatial planning for offshore wind is undertaken as a priority activity.2 Marine spatial planning is the process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activity in marine areas to achieve economic, environmental, and social objectives. In the context of offshore wind, it seeks to assess the needs of all relevant marine stakeholders to ensure the economic potential of offshore wind is balanced with minimizing potential impacts on the surrounding natural environment, coastal communities, and other sea users, including those who derive their livelihood from the sea. The Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands (VASI), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), is preparing the National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam.3 The National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam is a multi-sector marine spatial plan which will set out the prioritization of marine space for different sectors, based on the integration of around 30 sectoral marine plans. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), with the Institute of Energy (IoE), is responsible for developing the offshore wind sectoral marine plan which is expected to feed into the National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam. VIII Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning ABOUT THIS REPORT The overall aim of this project is to support the development of Viet Nam’s offshore wind sectoral marine plan. This report describes an early-stage marine spatial planning exercise that has been undertaken to inform the location of future offshore wind projects. It provides spatial data layers, an adaptable methodology, and advisory analysis to help identify the least constrained, most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment in Viet Nam. To do this, the project: ■ Analyzed Viet Nam’s technical, environmental, and social conditions relating to offshore wind development ■ Identified the most suitable areas for offshore wind deployment, and ■ Developed spatial and temporal offshore wind deployment scenarios to meet the PDP8 targets. The analysis was not a project-level site selection exercise. The findings are expected be refined by Government, stakeholders, and offshore wind developers through an iterative process by conducting further data collection, analysis, and consultation. This report provides recommendations on the further actions that need to be taken by the Government to refine the analysis. It is expected that MOIT, in collaboration with MONRE and VASI, will use this analysis, approach and the supporting data as the basis for further spatial modelling, amending the analysis and the resulting offshore wind development areas as more information is gathered. APPROACH AND ASSUMPTIONS The spatial planning approach followed four steps, each of which identified progressively smaller, less constrained, and more technically attractive areas of seabed. This is shown in Figure 0.1. This project focused upon the identification of Development Zones and Development Blocks. The identification of Project Areas (specific areas for offshore wind farms) was beyond the scope of this project. The approach and assumptions used to identify each area are summarized in Figure 0.1. All data layers used within this work are listed in Appendix A. FIGURE 0.1 HIGH-LEVEL APPROACH TO SPATIAL PLANNING. Technical Potential Area Considers the quality of wind resource and other cost drivers, such as water depth Development Zones Considers technical constraints and sensitivity mapping of biodiversity and social values Development Blocks Considers economic factors other siting variables Project Areas Defined following further surveys, permitting and risk analysis work Offshore wind marine spatial planning in Viet Nam IX Technical Potential Area The Technical Potential Area was identified as part of the technical potential analysis carried out by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and published by the World Bank in 2021.4 The Technical Potential Area was defined as the area with suitable wind resource and water depth to support offshore wind development. The Technical Potential Area assumptions are shown in Table 0.1.5 The assessment of nearshore offshore wind sites was excluded from this analysis, so the Technical Potential Area was adapted to exclude the area within 6 nautical miles (nm) of the mean low water line. The adapted Technical Potential Area formed the study area for this analysis. TABLE 0.1 VIET NAM TECHNICAL POTENTIAL AREA ASSUMPTIONS. Variable Threshold Details Average annual wind speeds (at 100 m height) greater than 7 m/s are Wind speed > 7 m/s assumed as economically viable resources for offshore wind Water depths between 0 and 1,000 m are considered suitable for Bathymetry < 1,000 m offshore wind deployment Areas were further filtered by size, with areas covering a minimum of Resulting areas > 10 km² 10 km² considered suitable for the installation of an offshore wind project Development Zones Development Zones were defined as broad areas within the Technical Potential Area suitable for offshore wind development. Development Zones were identified by removing areas from the study area where offshore wind development would be precluded by technical hard constraints, such as oil and gas infrastructure, or where areas were allocated the highest level of biodiversity and social sensitivity, based upon their susceptibility to the impact of offshore wind. Development Blocks Development Blocks were defined as the most economically attractive, least constrained areas within the Development Zones that could accommodate offshore wind projects. Development Blocks were identified by carrying out a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) spatial analysis to identify the most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment in the Development Zones. The siting of Development Blocks also accounted for biodiversity and social sensitivity by avoiding areas with high or moderate biodiversity and social sensitivity where possible. Development Blocks were identified for two deployment scenarios: 2030 and 2040. A 2050 deployment scenario was not developed as the marine area in Viet Nam will likely undergo significant changes over the next 20 years, and the marine spatial plan is expected to evolve accordingly. The Development Blocks were identified by reviewing the spatial analysis and siting Development Blocks in the most suitable areas. The siting considered, in order of priority, that Development Blocks should: ■ Be located within a Development Zone, to avoid technical hard constraints and the areas with the highest biodiversity and social sensitivity ■ Be in areas suitable for fixed offshore foundations (water depths less than 60 meters), because fixed foundation technology is more established and lower cost compared to floating foundation technology so these areas should be prioritized X Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning ■ Be located in areas with the lowest LCOE (as known), to capitalize upon the areas that are most economically viable, and ■ Avoid areas with high or moderate biodiversity and social sensitivity levels where possible, considering the other siting criteria. Project Areas Project Areas within the Development Blocks will be defined by the Government or project developers following further consultation, primary data collection, and site-specific sensitivity analysis. Project Areas will be subject to licensing and permitting processes. Development Zones and Blocks do not indicate presumption in favor of a license or permit. KEY FINDINGS Figure 0.2 shows the Development Blocks for the 2030 and 2040 scenario identified through the spatial analysis. The key findings include the following: ■ Based upon the current available spatial data, there is sufficient marine area for Viet Nam to achieve the PDP8 2050 target after technical, biodiversity and social considerations have been accounted for. Using the 2040 deployment scenario assumptions to populate the remaining available area, beyond that taken up by Development Blocks identified across the two scenarios, a total capacity of around 168 GW could be deployed within the Development Zones. This exceeds the 91.5 GW 2050 target. ■ In the 2030 scenario, based upon the geographical distribution of offshore wind capacity set out in the PDP8 Implementation Plan, Development Blocks suitable for floating offshore wind were identified in the central study area.i This is because the water depths in the central study area exceeds 60 m and therefore only floating offshore wind project are suitable in this area to meet the 0.5 GW target in the center of Viet Nam. This is optimistic given the maturing status and relatively higher cost of floating offshore wind technology. It would also require a separate offtake agreement arrangement for floating offshore wind (to provide a tariff at a higher price to fixed foundation offshore wind) to be implemented well before 2030. ■ In the 2040 scenario, based upon the scaling up of the geographical distribution of offshore wind capacity set out in the PDP8 Implementation Plan for 2030, Development Blocks were sited in parts of the north and central study areas with a relatively high LCOE, while areas suitable for fixed offshore wind, with relatively low LCOE, were not utilized in the south. This indicates that there is a greater availability of fixed sites with a relatively low LCOE in the south which should inform the 2030 geographical distribution targets for offshore wind in Viet Nam. ■ The areas of most promising offshore wind potential lie adjacent to areas where important technical, biodiversity, and social considerations exist and reiterates the importance of careful site selection, thorough technical analysis, and robust environmental and social impact assessment at a detailed site level. i The PDP8 Implementation Plan was approved by Vietnamese Prime Minister in April 2024 and aims to achieve 2.5, 0.5 and 3.0 GW respectively in the north, central and southern area of Viet Nam. Offshore wind marine spatial planning in Viet Nam XI FIGURE 0.2 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS FOR THE 2030 AND 2040 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS. XII Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning RECOMMENDATIONS It is the principal recommendation of this project that MOIT, in collaboration with MONRE and VASI, use the analysis, approach, and the supporting data defined in the project as the basis for further spatial modelling that will refine the Development Blocks, allowing Project Areas to be identified. MOIT should adopt an iterative approach to build upon this project, amending the analysis and the resulting offshore wind development areas as more data is gathered to support the spatial model. The key practical recommendations are for MOIT to: 1. Review the data layers used within the spatial model to identify other existing data layers that the Government has access to that are up to date, have a better resolution or are more reliable, to refine or replace those used in the current model. 2. Review the constraints and values for which no data layers were sourced but should be considered in future planning to identify existing data layers that the Government has access to and that can be added to the current spatial model. 3. Carry out further data collection and knowledge co-generation activities with national and local stakeholders to address high-level data gaps that need to be included in the offshore wind sectoral planning process, for example, by assessing the onshore biodiversity and social sensitivities that could be impacted by offshore wind developments. 4. Carry out wider consultation with offshore wind developers to ensure that the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Marine Plan is informed by and is aligned with industry views. 5. Carry out a climate change risk assessment to assess how the impacts of climate change may influence the location of offshore wind Development Blocks, including consideration of potential climate change impacts on sea-level, habitat and species distributions, fisheries, wind resource, and the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. 6. Carry out offshore wind data collection campaigns to provide data that can be used to validate the modelled wind resource data used in this study. 7. Ensure the Viet Nam Offshore Sectoral Plan continues to be developed in parallel to the transmission grid expansion plans so that both plans account for one another, with new generation capacity and transmission being planned strategically. 8. Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral plan once the Development Block areas have been further refined, to assess the cumulative impact of deploying offshore wind at scale in these areas on biodiversity and social values. 9. Integrate the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Plan with the National Marine Spatial Plan to address cross-sector synergies and conflicts. 10. Monitor and review the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Plan, updating the spatial model as new information becomes available, including further iterations of PDP8 and future PDPs which might impact the deployment scenarios and desired geographical distribution of projects as offshore wind targets change. Offshore wind marine spatial planning in Viet Nam XIII 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND At the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021, the Vietnamese Prime Minister pledged that Viet Nam would achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.1 It aims to do this by increasing electricity supply diversity and reducing coal dependence. The transition to low-carbon energy generation is key to achieving these objectives. Offshore wind will be required to achieve Viet Nam’s ambition as onshore renewable energy sources alone will not be enough to allow for diversification and decarbonization of the power system. The Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), Viet Nam’s latest strategic power plan, was approved in May 2023. It set a target to install at least 6 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and between 70 GW and 91.5 GW by 2050. The 70 GW 2050 target is the low case scenario, and the 91.5 GW 2050 target is the high case scenario. The high case scenario is Viet Nam’s current target, although this is subject to change in future PDPs. When identifying areas of the seabed for offshore wind development, it is vital to strike a balance between the economic potential for developers and local communities, and minimizing potential impacts to the surrounding natural and human environment. In this context, marine spatial planning is an important step in deploying offshore wind at a large scale. Marine spatial planning is the process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activity in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives. It allows for offshore wind capacity to be located in the least constrained, most economically attractive areas, considering biodiversity, social, and technical constraints. Early government-led marine spatial planning is considered good practice in developing a thriving offshore wind industry, with most countries developing an offshore wind market adopting this approach to reduce development risk. Further background information on marine spatial planning can be found in the following documents: ■ UNESCO and the European Commission’s MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning provides an overview of the marine spatial planning process ■ The WB’s Key Factors for Successful Development of Offshore Wind in Emerging Markets highlights the key marine spatial planning considerations relevant to offshore wind deployment, and ■ The PROBLUE program within the WB provides a toolkit of guidance notes and factsheets relating to the different marine spatial planning phases, including guidance on climate smart marine spatial planning.6, 7, 8 1 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning The Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands (VASI), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), is preparing the National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam.3 The National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam is a multi-sectoral marine spatial plan that will set out marine space, prioritized for different sectors, based on the integration of around 30 sectoral marine plans. It is intended to minimize the spatial conflicts between the multiple stakeholders seeking to use marine areas and resources. It will reflect the Government’s priorities and policies. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), with the Institute of Energy (IoE), is responsible for developing the offshore wind sectoral marine plan which is expected to feed into the National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam. The World Bank (WB) has been requested to support MOIT in the development of Viet Nam’s offshore wind sectoral marine plan. Developers previously had freedom to identify project sites in Viet Nam without any spatial guidance from the Government. The offshore wind sectoral plan will seek to guide where offshore wind projects are located. 1.2 AIMS This report explains the early-stage marine spatial planning exercise that has been undertaken to support Viet Nam’s offshore wind sectoral marine plan. The overall aim of this project was to provide data layers, an adaptable methodology, and advisory analysis that will be used to identify the least constrained, most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment in Viet Nam. To achieve this, the project: ■ Analyzed Viet Nam’s technical, environmental, and social conditions relating to offshore wind development ■ Identified the most suitable areas for offshore wind deployment, and ■ Developed spatial and temporal offshore wind deployment scenarios to meet the PDP8 targets. 1.3 OVERALL APPROACH TO SPATIAL PLANNING The spatial planning approach followed four steps, each of which identified progressively smaller, less constrained, and more technically attractive areas of seabed. This allowed us to identify: ■ Development Zones, defined as broad areas suitable for offshore wind development, and ■ Development Blocks, defined as the most economically attractive, least constrained areas within the Development Zone that could accommodate offshore wind projects. A high-level overview of the spatial planning approach is shown in Figure 1.1. 1. Introduction 2 FIGURE 1.1 HIGH-LEVEL APPROACH TO SPATIAL PLANNING. Technical Potential Area Considers the quality of wind resource and other cost drivers, such as water depth Development Zones Considers technical constraints and sensitivity mapping of biodiversity and social values Development Blocks Considers economic factors other siting variables Project Areas Defined following further surveys, permitting and risk analysis work Technical Potential Area The Technical Potential Area was the starting point for the analysis. The Technical Potential Area was defined as the areas identified in the Offshore Wind Technical Potential in Viet Nam, published by the WB in 2021.4 These areas were adapted to exclude the area within 6 nautical miles (nm) of the mean low water line since the assessment of nearshore offshore wind sites was excluded from the project.ii This formed the study area (see Section 2.1.1). Development Zones Development Zones were defined by removing areas from the study area where offshore wind development would be precluded by technical hard constraints, such as oil and gas infrastructure, or where areas were allocated the highest level of biodiversity and social sensitivity, based upon their susceptibility to the impact of offshore wind (see Section 2.4.1). Development Blocks Development Blocks were defined by carrying out a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) analysis to identify the most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment in the Development Zones. The siting of Development Blocks also accounted for biodiversity and social sensitivity by avoiding area with high or moderate biodiversity and social sensitivity where possible (see Section 2.4.2). ii The nearshore area within 6 nm were excluded from this project because the biodiversity and social sensitivities are significantly higher closer to shore. The 6 nm limit was chosen based upon jurisdictional boundaries, with the waters within 6 nm being managed by Provincial Governments and waters beyond this being managed by the Central Government. 3 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Project Areas Project Areas, or specific wind farm sites, were not defined as part of this project. Project Areas within the Development Blocks will be defined by the Government or project developers following further consultation, primary data collection, and site-specific sensitivity analysis. Project Areas will be subject to licensing and permitting processes. The Development Zones and Development Blocks identified in this study do not indicate a presumption in favor of a license or permit being granted by the relevant authorities. The Development Blocks identified as part of this project are indicative of the least constrained, most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment, based upon a high-level resource, constraint, and sensitivity assessment. This project was an early-stage planning exercise. It was broad in scale and addressed a large area of interest. It was informed by existing data and knowledge and makes recommendations on how the plan can be refined with future primary data collection and consultation. It sought to provide an overview of technical constraint and place-based sensitivity to inform future planning. This analysis and the supporting data will be transferred to MOIT for further refinement using the data layers it has access to, allowing MOIT to identify and prioritize the areas for which survey licenses will be issued.iii iii The procurement framework that will be used to award exclusive development rights to developers has not yet been formalized by the Government. It is likely that non-exclusive survey licenses will be granted to developers or donors for a seabed areas before exclusive development rights for the seabed area are awarded in the form of an Investment Agreement. It is undecided whether project developers or the Government will be responsible for Project Area selection. 1. Introduction 4 2. SPATIAL PLANNING PROCESS Figure 2.1 provides an overview of the spatial planning process applied throughout this project. Each of the steps is described in more detail in the following sections. FIGURE 2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE SPATIAL PLANNING PROCESS. Study area Values and constraints Data sourcing and assessment Sensitivity scoring approach Stakeholder identification Desk based data sourcing Introductory webinar Stakeholder engagement Stakeholder workshops Exclusion modelling Spatial modelling LCOE analysis Potential Identify Development Zones development areas Identify Development Blocks Consultation Stakeholder consultation Technical inputs Stakeholder engagement Spatial modelling Outputs 5 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning 2.1 DATA SOURCING AND ASSESSMENT 2.1.1 Study area The offshore wind technical potential analysis carried out by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and published in 2021 indicates that Viet Nam has around 600 GW of offshore wind technical potential.4 This is split between 261 GW of fixed offshore wind and 338 GW of floating offshore wind. ESMAP defined the technical potential areas using the assumptions in Table 2.1.5 The technical potential areas identified through this analysis formed the basis of the study area. The fixed and floating offshore wind technical potential areas were combined and adapted to exclude the area within 6 nm of the mean low water line since the assessment of nearshore sites was excluded from this study.ii This created the study area shown in Figure 2.2. The study area was split into three regions, north, central and south, to align with the regional deployment targets set out in the PDP8 Implementation Plan which informed the geographical distribution of capacity in the deployment plan scenarios defined in this project. Onshore grid connection locations and cable corridors were not part of the study area due to uncertainties related to potential grid connection locations. The offshore export cable corridors were not part of the study area but were subject to a high-level qualitative assessment (see Section 2.4.2). TABLE 2.1 VIET NAM TECHNICAL POTENTIAL AREA ASSUMPTIONS. Data layer Threshold Details Average annual wind speeds (at 100 m height) greater than 7 m/s are Wind speed > 7 m/s assumed to provide an economically viable resource for offshore wind Water depths between 0 and 1,000 m are considered suitable for Bathymetry < 1,000 m offshore wind deployment Areas were further filtered by size, with areas covering a minimum of Resulting areas > 10 km² 10 km² considered suitable for the installation of an offshore wind project 2. Spatial planning process 6 FIGURE 2.2 STUDY AREA. 7 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning 2.1.2 VALUES AND CONSTRAINTS The technical constraints, biodiversity values and social values that formed the basis of the spatial modelling were defined early in the spatial planning process. The constraints and values were based upon previous experience of resource and constraint assessments and sought to align with guidance set out in the Integrated Environmental and Social Sensitivity Mapping: Guidance for Early Offshore Wind Spatial Planning (SenMap).9 This is a guidance document designed to support government planners in emerging market countries to identify potential areas for offshore wind development with the lowest environmental and social sensitivity. 2.1.3 Stakeholder identification Early, transparent, and inclusive stakeholder engagement is key to successful strategic spatial planning. It ensures the knowledge and interests of affected parties are considered and incorporated into planning decisions from the beginning and throughout the project. This improves the level of acceptance for offshore wind within various stakeholder groups. Between November 2022 and January 2023, a long-list of stakeholder organizations was compiled based upon the network of stakeholders known to the project partners and desk research. The stakeholders in the long-list were categorized by their level of influence and their level of interest (high or low for both). This allowed stakeholder organizations with influence over their respective values and interest in the deployment of offshore wind to be identified. Stakeholder organizations that were considered to have both high influence and high interest were considered to be the most appropriate to provide input into this stage of the spatial planning process. These stakeholders were sorted into one of the following Expert Advisory Groups according to their expected areas of expertise and interest: ■ Biodiversity Expert Advisory Group ■ Social Expert Advisory Group, and ■ Strategic Expert Advisory Group. 2.1.4 Sensitivity scoring approach A sensitivity scoring approach for biodiversity and social values associated with offshore wind development in Viet Nam was developed in accordance with the SenMap guidance.9 These sensitivity scores were used to produce spatial maps of biodiversity and social sensitivity across the study area. The biodiversity and social sensitivity scoring methodology is summarized in Section 2.3.1. 2. Spatial planning process 8 2.1.5 Desk based data sourcing Based upon the identified technical constraints, biodiversity values and social values, existing publicly available data layers were sourced. It was outside of the scope of this project to carry out additional primary data collection to inform constraint analysis and sensitivity mapping. All data layers used within this project are listed in Appendix A. Using the existing publicly available data layers, a gap analysis was carried out to identify relevant values and constraints for which no spatial data layers were sourced, either because they do not exist or because they were not identified. A list of all values and constraints which should be considered and assessed in future planning are listed in Appendix B. 2.2 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The stakeholder organizations in each Expert Advisory Group were invited to attend an introductory webinar and stakeholder workshops. 2.2.1 Introductory webinar It was important to develop a common understanding amongst stakeholders of the offshore wind sectoral planning process and the impacts offshore wind has on other sea users so that they could contribute effectively. In February 2023, an introductory webinar was held for stakeholders to provide background information to the project, an overview of the offshore wind spatial planning process and an understanding of the stakeholder engagement process. It also presented an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions about the project. Education material on the offshore wind development process, the potential impact offshore wind can have on biodiversity, social receptors and other industries, and the methods that can be implemented to mitigate these risks, was shared with stakeholders following the webinar. 2.2.2 Stakeholder workshops Following the introductory webinar, three Expert Advisory Group workshops were held in Hanoi in February and March 2023. Stakeholders were invited to either the biodiversity, social or strategic workshop depending upon their specific area of interest and expertise. Each workshop was designed to facilitate technical discussions and provided the opportunity for stakeholders to provide input and views. Stakeholders from 15 organizations attended the workshops. The biodiversity and social workshops aimed to: ■ Validate the proposed approach to sensitivity scoring ■ Validate the proposed values and identify other potential values where relevant ■ Validate the known data layers and identify other potential data layers, where relevant, and ■ Highlight priority data gaps and discuss potential solutions. 9 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning The strategic workshop aimed to: ■ Validate the proposed approach to using technical data layers ■ Validate the proposed constraints and identify other potential constraints, where relevant ■ Validate the known data layers and identify other potential data layers, where relevant ■ Highlight priority data gaps and discuss potential solutions, and ■ Ensure the project outputs were aligned with wider government plans and policies. Between March and July 2023, follow up engagement with key stakeholders was carried out to collect additional data layers and develop technical insights around the data provided. 2.3 SPATIAL MODELLING The two key forms of spatial modelling undertaken for this project were: ■ Exclusion modelling, and ■ LCOE analysis. The exclusion model, accounting for technical hard constrains and areas with the highest biodiversity or social sensitivity, along with a shipping density layer were used to identify Development Zones (see Section 2.4.1). The LCOE analysis was used to identify the most economically viable areas for Development Blocks. The biodiversity and social sensitivity analysis undertaken for the exclusion model was also used in the siting of Development Blocks, with areas with high or moderate sensitivity levels being avoided where possible (see Section 2.4.2). 2.3.1 EXCLUSION MODELLING Aim The aim of developing an exclusion model was to identify and remove areas from the study area that are not suitable for offshore wind development. Methodology The exclusion model was informed by: ■ Technical hard constraint mapping ■ Biodiversity sensitivity mapping, and ■ Social sensitivity mapping. 2. Spatial planning process 10 Technical hard constraints were considered exclusions based upon the assumption they would preclude offshore wind development. Grid cells within the highest biodiversity or social sensitivity were considered as exclusions because the impacts of development in these areas are likely to be irreversible and mitigation or remediation are not possible. A high-level technical feasibility assessment was also undertaken to exclude areas of the study area that present a high risk to the safe design, construction, and operation of offshore wind farms because of extreme winds, seismic conditions, and wave height. No such exclusions were identified. Results The exclusion model map is shown in Figure 2.3 and the supporting analysis is explained in following sections. FIGURE 2.3 EXCLUSION MODEL MAP. 11 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TECHNICAL HARD CONSTRAINT MAPPING Aim The aim of developing a technical hard constraint map was to identify areas where there is existing infrastructure or existing seabed rights that would preclude offshore wind development for safety or operational reasons so that these areas were removed from the study area. Methodology Hard constraints were defined as data layers relating to activities and receptors that preclude offshore wind development. Features were considered hard constraints because: ■ There is existing infrastructure in place that would preclude development, such as oil and gas infrastructure, or ■ There are safety reasons that would preclude development, such as aviation safety zones, or ■ There are existing rights granted over the seabed which preclude granting rights for offshore wind development. The data layers included in the technical hard constraint map are shown in Table 2.2. TABLE 2.2 DATA LAYER USED TO INFORM THE TECHNICAL HARD CONSTRAINTS MAP. Data layer Source Description Airport OpenFlights10 Global airport locations vector layer. Database Research suggests that offshore wind turbines located within 30 km of an airport with a surveillance radar facility could have an impact upon airport operations.11 Under some circumstances, the distance required between airport and wind project development could be larger than 30 km, due to factors such as type and coverage of radar and particular operations at the airport. This information on radars and operations is not available for Vietnamese airports, so a 30 km buffer, signifying an aviation safety zone, was applied around each airport. It may be possible to locate offshore wind turbines closer than 30 km to an airport surveillance radar, but this will require planning and mitigation, potentially including radar upgrades or additional supplementary radar. Areas close to an airport are low priority for offshore wind development, but may be considered in future plans. Global Oil US Department Global oil and gas infrastructure vector layer which includes the and Gas of Energy12 following: Infrastructure • Well pads, which are temporary drilling sites Features • Platforms, which are structures that support the machinery and Database equipment required for drilling an offshore oil well, and • Pipelines, which are pipes used for transporting oil, gas, and petroleum products from offshore locations to power plants and refineries. Areas with oil and gas infrastructure were excluded because an offshore wind project could impact operations and existing assets. A buffer of 500 m was applied to pipeline infrastructure and a 500 m buffer was applied to platforms and well pads. 2. Spatial planning process 12 Data layer Source Description Submarine TeleGeography13 Global submarine telecommunications cable vector layer. Cable Map Telecommunication cable routes were excluded to avoid any damage or disruption to cables during the installation and operation of an offshore wind project. In principle, offshore wind can overlap and co-exist with these cables. A buffer of 500 m was applied to the telecommunications cables. There are several technical hard constraints that have not been included in this spatial model because accurate spatial data for these constraints could not be sourced, either because the data does not exist or because it is not available for reasons of national security. The constraints for which spatial data was not sourced, and should be consider in future planning, are listed in Appendix B. Results Study area: North The northern part of the technical hard constraint map is shown on the left of Figure 2.4. The only technical hard constraint applied to the northern part of the study area is the 30 km aviation safety zone surrounding Dong Hoi airport. Study area: Central The central part of the technical hard constraint map is shown on the right of Figure 2.4. One aviation zone overlaps with the central part of the study area, which surrounds Dong Tac airport. There are three telecommunication cable routes that overlap the central part of the study area, these include: ■ Asia Pacific Gateway ■ SeaMeWe-3 ■ Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 There is one pipeline in the central study area. Study area: South The southern part of the technical hard constraint map is shown on the right of Figure 2.4. Four aviation safety zones overlap the southern part of the study area. These surround Nha Trang air base, Cam Ranh airport, Phan Rang airport and Co Ong airport. There are three telecommunication cable routes that overlap the southern part of the study area. These include: ■ Asia Africa Europe-1 ■ Asia-America Gateway Cable System ■ Tata TGN-Intra Asia Most oil and gas infrastructure is found in the south of Viet Nam, as shown in the inset map labelled A. 13 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning FIGURE 2.4 TECHNICAL HARD CONSTRAINTS DATA LAYER. SHIPPING DENSITY Shipping routes and areas of high marine traffic are significant constraints to offshore wind development. Developing an offshore wind project within an area that obstructs key shipping routes or high marine traffic areas would increase the level of consenting sensitivity. Offshore wind development areas should therefore avoid these areas. An accurate spatial data layer for legally designated shipping routes was not available to the project. Global shipping density data which reflects the observed movements of commercial, fishing, oil and gas, passenger and pleasure vessels was sourced instead. The data layer was created using the hourly automatic identification system (AIS) position of vessels received between January 2015 and February 2021. It represented the total number of AIS positions reported by vessels in each 500 m² grid cell, and therefore reflects shipping density. While this data was not included in the technical hard constraint mapping since it does not clearly define what areas should be excluded, it is an important consideration in spatial planning. Areas of high shipping density were manually identified. These were used to inform the Development Zone identification (see Section 2.4.1). The areas of highest shipping density are shown in Figure 2.5. In the northern part of the study area, most shipping activity occurs in the waters surrounding Haiphong, an industrial port with important shipping routes to other domestic and foreign ports. 2. Spatial planning process 14 In the southern part of the study area, most of the shipping activity occurs in the waters off Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City, since this is the largest industrial hub in the south of Viet Nam. The ports close to Ho Chi Minh City serve the offshore oil and gas industry, shown by the highly trafficked areas around the platforms and wells in Figure 2.5. FIGURE 2.5 SHIPPING DENSITY DATA LAYER. BIODIVERSITY SENSITIVITY MAPPING Aim Biodiversity sensitivity mapping was carried out to identify the most important locations in the study area for biodiversity, such that offshore wind development can be avoided in the highest sensitivity areas, and to offer early insight into potential biodiversity issues that will require mitigation at the project level. Methodology Desk-based data collation As outlined in Section 2.1.5, publicly available regional, national, and global biodiversity data layers relevant to Viet Nam were identified and reviewed to confirm relevance, quality, suitability, and accessibility. The data layers included in the biodiversity sensitivity map are shown in Table 2.3. 15 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 2.3 DATA LAYERS USED TO INFORM THE BIODIVERSITY SENSITIVITY MAP. Data layer Source Description Avian Sensitivity A sensitivity map showing avian sensitivity to collision and Tool for Energy Birdlife International25 displacement impacts in relation to energy infrastructure, Planning (AVISTEP) including offshore wind, over land and sea. Allen Coral Atlas A map showing six benthic habitats, including coral, microalgal Corals Partnership and Arizona mats, rocks, rubble, sand and seagrass. State University14 Ecologically A map showing ESBAs which are ecologically or biologically and Biologically Convention on significant marine areas in the ocean that serve important Sensitive Areas Biological Diversity15 purposes to support the healthy functioning of oceans. (ESBAs) International Union Important Marine for Conservation of A map showing IMMAs which are discrete portions of habitats, Mammal Areas Nature (IUCN)—Marine important to marine mammal species, that have the potential (IMMAs) Mammal Protected to be delineated and managed for conservation. Areas Task Force16 Intertidal habitats Murray et al.17 A map showing the global distribution of intertidal areas. Integrated Biodiversity The IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species is the world’s most IUCN Red List of Assessment Tool (IBAT) comprehensive information source on the global extinction Threatened Species Alliance18 risk status of animal, fungus and plant species. A map showing KBAs which are areas contributing significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity in Key Biodiversity IBAT Alliance19 terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. KBAs Areas (KBAs) are the most important places in the world for species and their habitats. A map showing pond aquaculture, mangroves and other Mangroves Clark Labs20 coastal wetlands across Asian, Central American and Southern American countries. A map showing the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). The databases contain terrestrial and marine UN Environment protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based Protected Areas Programme and IUCN21 conservation measures (OECMs) designated at the national level and under regional and international conventions and agreements, in addition to those not legally designated.iv A coral reef habitat mapping project that maps six benthic Seagrass Allen Coral Atlas14 habitats, including coral, microalgal mats, rocks, rubble, sand and seagrass. Spoon Billed Data adapted from multiple sources to show Spoon Billed Sandpiper Multiple sources Sandpiper foraging sites. foraging sites Turtle nesting sites Cuong and The22 Data adapted from a single source to show turtle nesting sites. The biodiversity sensitivity mapping used the best available global biodiversity data layers. The mapping could be further refined using national and local data layers but the degree to which this would change the analysis is uncertain. It is likely that new spatial layers would increase the sensitivity of certain areas, as opposed to downgrading them. The values for which spatial data was not sourced, and should be considered in future planning, is listed in Appendix B. iv OECMs are defined as geographically defined areas which are governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values. 2. Spatial planning process 16 Identification of priority biodiversity values The available global and regional spatial biodiversity data layers relevant to the study area were screened using a set of criteria designed to identify biodiversity values that could be sensitive to offshore wind development, based on good international industry practice and aligned with the WB requirements for identifying potential biodiversity sensitivity.v, 23, 24 The criteria included: ■ Critically endangered (CR) and endangered (EN) species sensitive to the impact of offshore wind ■ Endemic and restricted range species sensitive to the impact of offshore wind ■ Migratory or congregatory species sensitive to the impact of offshore wind ■ Other potentially sensitive species, based on behaviour, morphology, life history, and/or habitat associations, sensitive to the impact of offshore wind ■ Highly threatened and/or unique ecosystems sensitive to the impact of offshore wind ■ Discrete natural habitats sensitive to the impact of offshore wind ■ Biodiversity values of cultural, traditional, symbolic, and/or socio-economic importance sensitive to the impact of offshore wind, and ■ Legally Protected Areas (LPAs), Internationally Recognized Areas (IRAs) and other designated areas of biodiversity importance, such as IMMAs or Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs).vi,vii The screening resulted in a shortlist of potentially sensitive biodiversity values. This was used to support engagement with key stakeholders. The screening exercise produced the following results: ■ The following species groups on the IUCN Red List with global range overlapped the study area: • 68 birds • 99 fish • 30 sharks and rays • 10 marine mammals • 6 sea turtles, and • 10 other species (including corals, sea cucumbers, and crustaceans). ■ The following discrete natural habitats overlapped the inshore edges of the study area, and were particularly relevant for consideration with respect to the offshore export cable corridors: • Seagrass • Coral and algae • Mangroves v These criteria are defined in the SenMap guidance. vi LPAs are defined exclusively by IUCN (and in the WB standards) as ‘any clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values’. (Dudley 2008) vii IRAs are defined in the WB ESS6 and IFC PS6 (see endnotes) as UNESCO World Heritage Sites; UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserves; Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance (designated under the Ramsar Convention), KBAs (including Alliance for Zero Extinction sites) and Important Bird Areas). These sites are of recognized importance to biodiversity conservation, though they are not always legally protected. 17 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning • Intertidal habitats, and • Estuary and nearshore habitats. ■ Six LPAs overlapped the study area. Stakeholder engagement Stakeholder engagement followed the process outlined in Section 2.2. In terms of identifying additional data to inform biodiversity sensitivity mapping, the draft National Marine Spatial Plan from Viet Nam was identified as likely to contain information suitable and useful for consideration in biodiversity sensitivity scoring, particularly with regard to protected areas.3 For data security and confidentiality reasons, however, it has not been possible to gain access to the supporting data layers included in the draft National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam.viii Further engagement was undertaken with Aquamaps and BirdLife International as part of the follow-up engagement outlined in Section 2.2.2.ix BirdLife International provided access to the spatial data and analysis from the online AVISTEP, developed in partnership with Viet Nature.25 Preliminary sensitivity scoring and mapping Discrete and refined spatial data for marine species is generally limited, especially further offshore. Data on national distribution of marine species in Viet Nam was limited. Georeferenced and observed data was available for only a few species. In addition, for many marine species the mapped global range was broad and observations infrequent, even where they were known to occur. Species distribution data was therefore not integrated into the sensitivity map as it would introduce significant uncertainty, likely leading to large areas being mapped as highly sensitive, despite uncertainty regarding species presence. The approach taken to sensitivity scoring and mapping was primarily habitat-based, capturing designated areas, natural habitats, and some specific areas known to be important for a few sensitive species, such as sea turtles. For bird species, BirdLife’s AVISTEP collision and displacement risk scoring was incorporated into the biodiversity sensitivity map. Data layers were standardized to the same geographic projection and clipped to the study area. The final biodiversity sensitivity map used a standardized 5 x 5 km grid that reflects the grid used in AVISTEP.x The five-point color-coded sensitivity scale is outlined in Table 2.4. All grid cells intersecting the study area, plus a precautionary 2 km buffer around the study area, were allocated a sensitivity score based on the underlying spatial biodiversity data. This sensitivity scoring process does not replace the need for comprehensive site-level assessment to confirm the predicted level of sensitivity. viii The draft National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam has images of maps that show spatial data relevant for offshore wind spatial modelling. These maps could not be integrated into the spatial model because they are in jpg format and the supporting data layer could not be shared with the project team. Translating image labels (where possible) and geolocating these jpg images indicated a potentially large degree of similarity between the draft National Marine Spatial Plan for Viet Nam protected areas information and that of the WDPA dataset. There are, however, some differences which cannot be accounted for without analyzing the spatial data layer. ix Aquamaps provides model-based large-scale predictions of known natural occurrence of marine species. Initial discussions identified that Aquamaps data resolution was relatively coarse, and thus likely not suitable to directly inform sensitivity mapping. x Given the limited and broad spatial biodiversity data available, smaller grid cells might introduce a false sense of accuracy to this early sensitivity mapping. The sensitivity map resolution could be refined later based on more detailed biodiversity data, if available. 2. Spatial planning process 18 TABLE 2.4 SCORES APPLIED FOR BIODIVERSITY AND BROAD IMPLICATIONS FOR OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT. Score Description Criteria Implication Highest sensitivity — • MPAs, KBAs and other Based on the available evidence, it species and sites of designations of biodiversity is recommended that development highest conservation importance, such as IMMAs in areas of highest sensitivity is and stakeholder concern or EBSAs avoided, in line with global goals to • Discrete areas of mapped reverse nature loss by 2030 and living sensitive Natural Habitat in harmony with nature by 2050. These (for example, coral, areas are of the highest biodiversity mangroves, seagrasses, and importance. Impacts of offshore wind 5 intertidal habitats)xi development and operation in these • Other discrete areas of areas are likely to be irreversible and habitat identified for CR mitigation or remediation not possible. and EN species (for example, Further detailed studies and in-depth Spoon-billed Sandpiper consultation would be required at the foraging locations, and sea project level if development in these turtle breeding locations) areas was to be considered. • Areas mapped as “Very High” sensitivity in AVISTEP High conservation • Study area grid cells within Based on the available evidence, concern, high 5 km of an MPA, KBA, or development in these areas may susceptibility to impact other designations of need to be avoided. Mitigation of biodiversity importance, development impacts in line with such as IMMAs or EBSAs, the mitigation hierarchy may be or a discrete area of mapped challenging and uncertain, and sensitive Natural Habitat restrictions on development would • Areas mapped as “High” likely apply. To inform decisions 4 sensitivity in AVISTEP on the development potential of these areas before projects are sited, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required to better understand the specific biodiversity values and the type of offshore wind impacts they could potentially be susceptible to. High conservation • Study area grid cells within Based on the available evidence, concern, moderate 10 km of an MPA, KBA, restrictions on development are susceptibility to impact or other designation of likely to be required in line with the biodiversity importance, mitigation hierarchy. To determine such as IMMAs or EBSAs, or what kind of restrictions may be a discrete area of mapped appropriate (for example, micro- 3 sensitive Natural Habitat siting of infrastructure, timing of • Areas mapped as “Moderate” construction activity, or specific sensitivity in AVISTEP construction or operational protocols), further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required at the project level. xi A precautionary 5 km buffer has been added to the mangroves and intertidal habitat data to capture the importance of these habitats for bird species. 19 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Score Description Criteria Implication Moderate conservation • Non-discrete pelagic habitats Based on the available evidence, concern, moderate <100 m depth* development in these areas may be susceptibility to impact acceptable, in line with the mitigation 2 hierarchy and subject to detailed project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm moderate sensitivity. Low conservation • Areas mapped as “Low” Based on the available evidence, concern, low sensitivity in AVISTEP. development in these areas is likely susceptibility to impact • Non-discrete pelagic habitats to be acceptable, in line with the 1 >100 m depth* mitigation hierarchy and subject to detailed project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm low sensitivity. * No observation-based information has been obtained to assess which offshore areas may be more important than others. Good quality continuous bathymetry data, however, is available to allow categorizing habitat preferences of species of concern based on their depth range. This data and information from the IUCN Red List for screened-in species indicates that the number of species with a preference for water depths less than 100 m is greater than those preferring deeper water (>100 m). Hence, sensitivity is categorized as score 2 for water depths <100 m and score 1 for water depths >100 m (in the absence of other indicators of sensitivity). Results The biodiversity sensitivity map for the north, central and south parts of the study area is described below. Study area: North The northern part of the biodiversity sensitivity map is shown on the left of Figure 2.6. Most of the northern part of the study area was assigned a biodiversity sensitivity score of 2, indicating a moderate level of sensitivity. This is because water depths are less than 100 m and there are no available spatial datasets indicating the presence of sensitive habitats. The far offshore boundary of the study area was assigned a biodiversity sensitivity score of 1 because water depths are greater than 100 m and there are no available spatial datasets indicating the presence of sensitive habitats. The offshore area in the eastern part of the study area was assigned sensitivity scores between 3 and 5. This is driven by proximity of grid cells to the Bach Long Vi Island MPA. The northern edge of the study area is also considered high sensitivity (scores 3-5).This is driven by overlap with the Dao Co To MPA, Tran Island MPA, and Bach Long Vi Island MPA, close to other protected areas (including the Red River Delta UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, Dao Cat Ba MPA, and Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site), and overlap with or close to discrete areas of sensitive natural habitats (for example, nearshore habitats, corals and sea turtle nesting habitats). This reflects the generally higher biodiversity sensitivity associated with the nearshore areas outside the study area, which is an important consideration for offshore wind export cable routes, export cable landfall, and onshore grid connection locations. 2. Spatial planning process 20 Study area: Central The central part of the biodiversity sensitivity map is shown on the right of Figure 2.6. Most of the central part of the study area was assigned a biodiversity sensitivity score of 1. This is because it has a water depth greater than 100 m and there are no other available spatial data layers indicating the presence of sensitive habitats within this area. This makes it the area with the lowest biodiversity sensitivity score across the whole study area. Study area: South The southern part of the biodiversity sensitivity map is shown on the right of Figure 2.6. Most of the southern part of the study area was assigned a biodiversity sensitivity score of between 3 and 5. This was driven by AVISTEP scores for avian collision or displacement risk and by protected or designated areas. The area in the south-west of the study area with a sensitivity score of 5 was driven by overlap with the Con Dao National Park, Con Dao MPA, and Con Dao IMMA. The area in the middle of the study area with a sensitivity score of 5 was driven by overlap with the Phu Quy Island MPA. FIGURE 2.6 BIODIVERSITY SENSITIVITY MAP DATA LAYER. 21 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning SOCIAL SENSITIVITY MAPPING Aim Social sensitivity mapping was carried out to identify the most important locations in the study area for social values, such that offshore wind development can be avoided in the highest sensitivity areas, and to offer early insight into potential social issues for mitigation at the project level. Methodology Desk-based data collation As outlined in Section 2.1, publicly available regional, national, and global social data layers relevant to Viet Nam were identified and reviewed to confirm relevance, quality, suitability, and accessibility. Social data included spatial and non-spatial data in the form of data layers, scientific literature, reports from reliable sources, such as academic sources, government or non-governmental organizations, and planning, policy, and regulatory documents. The data layers included in the social sensitivity map are shown in Table 2.5. TABLE 2.5 DATA LAYERS USED TO INFORM THE SOCIAL SENSITIVITY MAP. Data layer Source Description Dependence MONRE26 Data adapted from multiple sources to show the dependence of on the sea for The Government of coastal communities on the sea for their livelihoods. livelihood Viet Nam27 MONRE3 Diving Provincial People’s Data adapted from multiple sources to show diving tourism areas. tourism areas Committee28, 29 Ecotourism areas are defined as areas that are focus on Provincial People’s environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Committee28, 29, 30 Ecotourism areas According to WB ESS6, cultural services also belong to ecosystem Provincial Department services and have been considered under this category. of Tourism31 Data adapted from multiple sources to show ecotourism areas. Fishing grounds are defined as an area of high fishing intensity Research Institute for Fishing grounds and were mapped using a map of major fishery resources in Marine Fisheries32 different fishing seasons. Local and non- Province People’s Data adapted from a single source to show local and non-official official cultural Committee33 cultural heritage sites. heritage sites Local Provincial People’s Data adapted from a single source to show local tourism areas. tourism areas Committee28 Marine MONRE3 Data adapted from multiple sources to show marine transport transport routes Provincial People’s routes for tourism. for tourism Committee34 2. Spatial planning process 22 Data layer Source Description The Ministry of Culture, Sport and National cultural National cultural heritage sites are defined as legally protected Tourism (MCST)35 heritage sites cultural heritage areas managed by national government. Provincial People’s Committee28 National tourist areas are defined as areas with minimum National MCST36, 37, 38 capacity to accommodate 500,000 tourists per year, with tourist areas national-level tourism resources.39 Protected areas for fisheries resources are defined as habitats, Protected areas reproductive areas, or places where the offspring of at least one for fisheries MONRE3,26 aquatic species included in the list of endangered, precious, and resources rare aquatic species, native aquatic species or transboundary aquatic species live regularly or seasonally.40 Provincial Provincial People’s Provincial cultural heritage sites are legally protected cultural cultural Committee28, 29, 41 heritage areas managed by provincial governments. heritage sites Provincial tourism areas are defined as areas with minimum Provincial Provincial People’s capacity to accommodate 100,000 tourists per year, with tourism areas Committee42 provincial-level tourism resources.43 Restricted Provincial People’s Restricted fishing areas are defined as areas where aquaculture fishing areas Committee44 and fishing activities are prohibited at all times.27 Ministry of Restricted Agriculture and Restricted fishing areas for a limited time are defined as areas fishing areas for Rural Development where commercial fishing is prohibited for a fixed term.46 a limited time (MARD)27, 45 Shipwreck Viet Nam National Shipwreck excavation locations are defined as locations where excavation Museum of History47 there are marine archaeological findings in Viet Nam.xii Tourism The map of tourism activities shows the places visited by tourists, MONRE3 activities for their cultural, natural, and economic significance. Tourism development regions refer to areas that have been Tourism identified for tourism development. These areas have the development MONRE3 resources and sites that attract tourists and have the potential regions for economic development through tourism activities. Data adapted from a single source to show the visual impact Visual impact Sullivan et al.48 threshold distances of offshore wind turbines. The social sensitivity mapping used the best available national social data layers. The mapping could be further refined using local data layers but the degree to which this would change the analysis is uncertain. It is likely that new spatial layers would increase the sensitivity of certain areas, as opposed to downgrading them. The potential value for which spatial data was not sourced, and should be considered in future planning, is listed in Appendix B. xii This does not include war graves. No spatial data related to war graves was identified for the social sensitivity mapping. Further assessment and consideration of this value should be considered within future offshore wind planning at both a sector and project level. 23 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Identification of priority social values Based on the potential sensitivities and the context of Viet Nam, the identification of priority social values relied on the WB Environmental and Social Standards, expert advice based on experience with wind projects in other countries, and guidance from other international organizations in assessing social impacts for offshore wind projects. The social values focused on understanding the communities and activities that use marine resources in the study area. The initial social values, informed by the SenMap guidance, included four main categories: ■ Coastal communities ■ Fishing and aquaculture zones ■ Cultural heritage sites, and ■ Recreation and tourism areas.9 The coastal community category considered possible risks from offshore wind development for people working in the study area and the potential impacts to their livelihoods. The other three categories addressed values related to assets and economic, cultural interests, and recreational activities that may be impacted by offshore wind development. The initial social values were further refined to identify even more specific values within each category that could be impacted by offshore wind development in Viet Nam. This was done by using a set of criteria designed to identify priority social values that could be most sensitive to offshore wind development (based on WB ESS, the SenMap guidance, and social expert knowledge). The criteria included the following: ■ Impact on sense of identity ■ Impact on livelihoods ■ Impact on economic activities, and ■ Potential conflicts. 2. Spatial planning process 24 The shortlist of potentially sensitive social values, based on the criteria listed above, is provided in Figure 2.7. This was used to guide data collection and support engagement with key stakeholders. FIGURE 2.7 PRIORITY SOCIAL VALUES. Social Coastal communities Fishing and aquaculture Cultural heritage Recreation and tourism Dependence on the UNESCO cultural Economic Fishing ground sea for livelihood heritage sites importance Protected Area for Tangible cultural Visual impact Fisheries Resources heritage sites Restricted area Intangible cultural Transport for fishing for a heritage practices for tourism limited time Marine archaeological findings Stakeholder engagement Stakeholder engagement followed the process outlined in Section 2.2. The priority social values, the related data layers, and the proposed sensitivity scale were presented and discussed with attendees. This allowed for the data availability and access to be discussed and potential solutions to data gaps identified. It also enabled the priority social values and sensitivity scale to be adjusted based on feedback. Data sets on livelihoods, cultural heritage, recreation, and tourism were sourced following the initial stakeholder workshops to inform the social sensitivity scoring. As stated in Section 2.1.5, it was outside of the scope of this project to carry out primary data collection to inform sensitivity mapping. Preliminary sensitivity scoring and mapping The preliminary sensitivity scoring was based upon a qualitative assessment. This assessed the sensitivity of social values, based upon an understanding of the characteristics and vulnerability of each value and the impact of offshore wind on sense of identity, dependence on natural marine resources for livelihoods, economic and social importance, and the potential for conflicting interests. The level of sensitivity was assessed across a five-point sensitivity scale. The five-point color-coded sensitivity scale is outlined in Table 2.6. Data layers were standardized to the same geographic projection and clipped to the study area. The final social sensitivity map uses a standardized 5 x 5 km grid that reflects the one used in the biodiversity sensitivity map. It is important to reiterate that this sensitivity scoring process does not replace the need for comprehensive site-level assessment to confirm the predicted level of sensitivity and identify impacts. 25 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 2.6 SCORES APPLIED FOR SOCIAL SENSITIVITIES AND BROAD IMPLICATIONS FOR OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT. Score Description Criteria Implication Highest sensitivity • Permanent loss of access to fishing Based on the available evidence, it to vulnerable grounds or Restricted Fishing Areas is recommended that development livelihoods, highest • UNESCO cultural heritage sites in areas of highest sensitivity is potential to cause • Special National/ National list avoided. These are areas of the conflict and areas of of intangible/ tangible cultural highest social importance. Impacts highest stakeholder heritage of development to local livelihoods or concern regional/national economy are likely • Sites with marine archaeological to be irreversible and mitigation/ findings, including shipwreck 5 remediation not possible. Further excavations detailed studies and in-depth • High-profile tourism activities, consultation would be required at the with significant relevance for the project level if development in these national economy/ National key areas was to be considered. tourist areas • Key ecotourism locations • Diving tourism locations (due to related to coral area) High-sensitivity • Areas with high-level of dependence These areas may need to be avoided vulnerable of community on fishing by offshore wind projects. Mitigation livelihoods, high • Protected Area for Fisheries of development impacts in line potential of causing Resources/ Fishing grounds with with the mitigation hierarchy may conflicts and areas high productivity be challenging and uncertain, and of key-economic • Provincial coastal safety restrictions on development would activities corridor area likely apply. To inform decisions on the development potential of these • Presence of tangible cultural areas before projects are sited, 4 heritage sites or intangible cultural further detailed social-economic heritage practices (listed on investigations and related local level provincial levels) stakeholder engagement are required • High-profile tourism activities with to better understand the specific significant relevance for the regional social values and the type of offshore economy (Provincial coastal safety wind impacts they could potentially corridor area related to tourism, be susceptible to. Provincial tourism areas) • Maritime tourism routes Moderate- • Areas with moderate-level Restrictions on development are sensitivity of dependence of community likely to be required, in line with vulnerable on fishing the mitigation hierarchy. To livelihoods, moderate • Restricted Fishing Area for a determine what kind of restrictions potential of causing Limited Time/ Fishing grounds may be appropriate, further detailed conflicts and with moderate productivity social-economic investigations areas of economic • Presence of tangible cultural and related stakeholder engagement activities heritage sites or intangible cultural are required at the project level to 3 confirm moderate sensitivity and heritage practices (e.g. listed on local levels). adjust the further impact assessment process accordingly. • Tourism activities with moderate relevance to the local economy/ Moderate potential disruption of access/ Tourism regions. • Visual impact at distance from 8–16 km from shore 2. Spatial planning process 26 Score Description Criteria Implication Low sensitivity • Areas with low-level of dependence Development in these areas may livelihoods and of community on fishing be acceptable in line with the areas with • Fishing grounds with low mitigation hierarchy and subject to low susceptibility productivity detailed project-level social-economic to impact • Assets not registered in any official investigations and related stakeholder cultural heritage listings and with consultation to confirm low sensitivity no archaeological interest and adopt suitable mitigation or enhancement measures. 2 • Tourism activities with low impact on the local economy/ Low potential disruption of access • Visual impact at distance from 16–40 km from shore • Tourism activities with low impact on the local economy/ local tourism locations Negligible- • No presence of coastal Development in these areas is sensitivity to communities, fisheries and acceptable in line with the livelihoods, aquaculture, cultural heritage, mitigation hierarchy and subject negligible recreation and tourism to detailed project-level social- 1 susceptibility to • Non-official tourism areas/ economic investigations and related impact spontaneous tourist areas stakeholder consultation to confirm • No risk to livelihoods negligible sensitivity. • Visual impact at distance more than 40 km Results The social sensitivity map for the north, central and south parts of the study area is described below. Study area: North The northern part of the social sensitivity map is shown on the left of Figure 2.8. Most of the northern part of the study area was assigned a social sensitivity score of 3, indicating a moderate level of sensitivity. This was because this area has moderately productive fishing grounds. Two large offshore regions in the center of the study area and a small area in the north east of the study area were assigned a sensitivity score of 4 due to high-productivity potential fishing grounds. The area in the south, on the western edge of the study area was assigned a sensitivity score of 4 due to the potential high visual impact of offshore wind from shore. The highest-sensitivity region in the north of the study area was assigned a sensitivity score of 5 because it overlapped with the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site/ Special National Cultural Heritage Site and Restricted Fishing Areas fishing off Bach Long Vi island and Tran Island. This reflects the high level of social sensitivity associated with offshore wind development in this region, driven by its potential impact on cultural heritage sites and the livelihoods of fishers. 27 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Study area: Central The central part of the social sensitivity map is shown on the right of Figure 2.8. Most of the central part of the study area was assigned a sensitivity score of between 1 and 2. This was because the fishing grounds in this area have low levels of productivity and as a result the dependence of communities on fishing in these areas is low. There was, however, no regulatory boundary for the nearshore and offshore fishing areas within provincial boundaries which introduces a level of uncertainty because it made it difficult to define local fishing areas. Further detailed studies, surveys and stakeholder consultation would therefore be required at the local level if offshore wind project development in these areas is proposed. Study area: South The southern part of the social sensitivity map is shown on the right of Figure 2.8. Most of the southern part of the study area was assigned a social sensitivity score of between 3 and 4. This is driven by large fishing vocational centers (Da Nang, Ba Ria- Vung Tau, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang) while in the northern study area there is one center in Hai Phong area. The function of the fishing vocational centers is to act as a specialized functional zone, in which fishing ports are connected to fisheries infrastructure. The centers operate at a national level, providing the necessary support for seafood exploitation and aquaculture activities. The centers follow fishing grounds in Central and East Sea, Southeast Sea and Southwest Sea which account for 83% of total fishing production in Viet Nam.26 Accordingly, the dependence ratio between those that rely on fishing for their livelihoods and areas with high productivity of fishing was also higher in the southern part of the study area. The highest sensitivity areas (score 5) include areas which overlapped with Restricted Fishing Areas, cultural heritage sites and key national tourist areas. FIGURE 2.8 SOCIAL SENSITIVITY MAP DATA LAYER. 2. Spatial planning process 28 Technical feasibility assessment It was important that the spatial planning process results in Development Blocks which have both technical and economic potential, as well as avoiding high biodiversity and social sensitivities. Areas of the study area that present high risk to the safe design, construction, and operation of offshore wind farms must be excluded. The technical feasibility assessment assessed the following variables across the study area: ■ Extreme wind speeds, including those experienced during storms events ■ Seismic conditions, and ■ Wave height. Regional scale spatial datasets for the above variables were examined to determine whether areas should be excluded to account for these technical feasibility factors. A comparison between the conditions found for these variables in Vietnamese waters and those experienced in developed offshore wind markets indicated that no broad scale exclusions were required. Further detailed site level data collection and analysis should be undertaken by Government and project developers during the selection of specific project locations to confirm technical feasibility on a project-by-project basis. The technical limitations related to mean wind speed and bathymetry had already been accounted for in the technical potential analysis carried out by ESMAP and published by the WB in 2021 which formed the basis of the study area (see Section 2.1.1).4 No reliable data layers were available relating to spatial variation in geo-technical parameters, such as sediment depth, sediment type or bedrock type, so the impact of these parameters was not assessed. Reliable data layers for these values should be sourced and integrated within future offshore wind spatial planning, both at a sector and project level. Climate resilience There is a risk that the ongoing effects of climate change may impact the assumptions made in this project regarding baseline environmental and climatic conditions. The potential exists for climate change to impact the viability of identified areas in the long-term, with changes to the distribution of sensitive habitats and species and the frequency and intensity of storms considered to be the most relevant issues for Viet Nam. Whilst a detailed climate change risk assessment was beyond the scope of this project, future planning should identify and evaluate potential risks and hazards posed by changing environmental and climatic conditions. This should inform decision-making around the siting of offshore wind projects, ensuring long-term viability and resilience against the impacts of climate change. Key elements to include in the assessment for offshore wind plans include evaluation of changes in wind resource, storm frequency, extreme wind conditions, and sea level. Consideration should also be given to the potential impacts on marine ecosystems, including changes in ocean currents, temperature variations, and habitat disruption. The assessment should be conducted at the early stages of project planning using the latest climate models and data sets to inform site selection and design considerations. 29 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning 2.3.2 LCOE ANALYSIS Aim The aim of the LCOE analysis was to assess the relative spatial variation in the cost per unit of energy (MWh) of offshore wind across the study area. It considered the costs to develop, construct, and operate a project. Relative LCOE was used because this project aimed to compare the relative risk and opportunity of different areas within the study area. Absolute LCOE, where the precision and accuracy of the actual LCOE value is considered paramount, requires detailed site-specific data and design assumptions that were impractical for a project of this scale. Methodology The LCOE analysis was undertaken as part of the World Bank’s Offshore Wind Roadmap for Viet Nam in 2021.2 Section 9 of the Roadmap provides detail on the methodology used to derive the LCOE. It is acknowledged that since 2021 there have been changes to some key factors that influence absolute LCOE including commodity prices and interest rates due to post-pandemic impacts and international conflicts. Further uncertainty regarding absolute LCOE values for offshore wind in Viet Nam is also introduced by a lack of detailed wind resource data and model validation. The impact of these factors on the relative LCOE in different locations in Viet Nam’s seas, however, is considered secondary as the influence of key spatially varying parameters described below dominate the LCOE values and remain valid for a project of this scale. The previous spatial LCOE analysis was therefore used to inform the current sectoral planning process. In time, as further biodiversity, social and technical data is available, an update to the LCOE layer is recommended. Parameters and assumptions Certain characteristics of a site have a large influence on the cost of energy that would result if a project were constructed at that location. The high-level parameters that have a strong impact on cost of energy are: ■ Wind speedxiii ■ Water depth ■ Distance to construction port ■ Distance to operations port, and ■ Distance to grid connection. These site parameters were used along with a set of reference project characteristics, as shown in Table 2.7. Typical development, capital, and operational costs for an offshore wind project in Viet Nam were applied. xiii Wind speeds were sourced from the Global Wind Atlas 3.0, a publicly available resource developed in partnership by Technical University of Denmark and WB. The Global Wind Atlas has been validated against measured onshore wind data in Viet Nam and, while being subject to uncertainty, is considered suitable for use in high level LCOE analysis. Detailed site data collection and analysis is required to establish lower uncertainty wind speed, LCOE, and annual energy production estimates for the purposes of commercial site selection and project financing. 2. Spatial planning process 30 TABLE 2.7 ASSUMED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REFERENCE OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT, BASED ON 2021 LCOE ANALYSIS. Property Value Year of final investment decision 2027 Turbine rating (MW) 15 Turbine rotor diameter (m) 230 Turbine hub height (m) 150 Project size (MW) 500 Lifetime (years) 30 Weighted average cost of capital (WACC) 5%xiv Monopile: <35 m Foundation type (as function of water depth) Jacket: 35-60 m Floating: >60 m High voltage alternating current (HVAC): <130 km Transmission type (as function of distance to shore) High voltage direct current (HVDC): >130 km Operations, Maintenance and Service (OMS) strategy Crew transfer vessel (CTV): <80 km (as function of distance to OMS port) Service operation vessel (SOV): >80 km The data layers included in the LCOE analysis are shown in Table 2.8. The spatial wind speed and water depth data layers were the same as those used for the ESMAP technical potential mapping.4 TABLE 2.8 DATA LAYER USED IN THE EXCLUSION MODEL. Data layer Source Description Global Wind Technical University The Global Wind Atlas v3.0 was released in 2019. It provides an Atlas v3.0 of Denmark (DTU) estimation of the wind speed at 2.5 km resolution and extends out and the WB48 to 200 km from land. It was developed by the DTUs Department of Wind and Energy Systems and released in partnership with the WB. It was primarily funded by the ESMAP. It uses data provided by Vortex. Vortex data is generated using a model which is used to downscale large atmospheric patterns to finer spatial resolutions. The wind speed data at an elevation of 150 m was used. GEBCO_2019 The General GEBCO_2019 was released in 2019. It provides a global bathymetry Bathymetric model for the ocean at 15 arc-second resolution. It measures water Chart of the depth at mean sea level. Oceans (GEBCO)50 It was developed by GEBCO, a non-profit organization sponsored by the International Hydrographic Organization and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. It was developed as part of the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project which aims to map the topography of the entire ocean floor by 2030. It uses data provided by the international community, including contributions of multibeam and single-beam survey data, individual soundings, and existing regional and global grids. For the cost analysis, the following simple scaling proxies were used: ■ Distance to construction port (D’) was calculated by adjusting the shortest distance to shore (D) as follows: D’ (km) = (D2 + 402)1/2. This assumed the distance to construction port was 40 km away from the closest point to shore. ■ Distance to operations port was assumed to be equal to the shortest distance to shore as, typically, there are many ports that can be used for OMS activities. xiv The WACC is assumed to be 5% because of the availability of concessional finance blended with commercial debt, plus the use of sensitivity mitigation instruments. 31 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning ■ Distance to grid connection was calculated by adjusting the shortest distance to shore (D) as follows: D’ (km) = (D2 + 202)1/2. This assumed the distance to the grid connection was 20 km away from the closest point to shore. Project specific analysis should consider the location of specific viable construction ports, operations ports and grid connection points. A water depth of more than 60 m was assumed to be suitable for floating foundations. In practice, the cut-off between fixed and floating depths will be determined on a project-by-project basis. As the LCOE of projects is sensitive to numerous parameters, it was not appropriate to use this simplified approach to estimate the absolute LCOE of projects at different locations across Viet Nam’s waters. Instead, LCOE has been provided as a relative metric to identify the areas around Viet Nam that may support projects with lower LCOE than others. Results The results show the lowest LCOE relative to both fixed and floating offshore wind. The distribution of LCOE follows trends present in the technical potential mapping. Areas with high wind speeds, shallower waters, and closer to shore and ports, have a lower LCOE. The northern region of Viet Nam’s waters has an area with comparatively low LCOE. The region in the southeast of Viet Nam’s waters offers more areas that will have lowest LCOE for offshore wind projects. FIGURE 2.9 LEVELIZED COST OF ENERGY DATA LAYER. 2. Spatial planning process 32 2.4 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS 2.4.1 Identifying Development Zones Aim The aim of identifying Development Zones was to define broad areas within the study areas that, based on available data, are considered suitable for offshore wind development. Methodology Development Zones were identified by: 1. Applying the exclusion model to the study area to remove areas where there are technical hard constraints and areas allocated the highest level of biodiversity and social sensitivity, based upon their susceptibility to the impact of offshore wind 2. Applying the shipping density data layer to the study area because, while the data layer does not reflect legally designated shipping routes and was not included in the technical hard constraint mapping, it was important to avoid highly trafficked areas, and 3. Removing areas that would not be large enough to site a 1 GW Development Block (based upon the assumptions set out in Section 2.4.2) because areas smaller than this would not be able to accommodate the project sizes assumed across the 2030 and 2040 scenarios. Results Figure 2.10 shows the Development Zones identified within the study area. The divisions between Development Zones are arbitrary and applied for presentation purposes only. Development Blocks with a total capacity of 168 GW could be deployed within the Development Zones. This includes the Development Blocks identified across the 2030 and 2040 scenarios (see Section 2.4.2), plus those that could be sited in the remaining area (using the 2040 deployment scenario assumptions). Based on this assessment, there is therefore sufficient area to achieve the PDP8 2050 targets. 33 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning FIGURE 2.10 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT ZONES. 2.4.2 Identifying Development Blocks Aim The aim of identifying Development Blocks was to define the most economically viable and least constrained areas within the Development Zones that could accommodate offshore wind projects. Methodology Development Blocks were identified by: 1. Defining the deployment plan scenario for 2030 and 2040, and 2. Siting Development Blocks. Deployment plan scenarios Deployment plan scenarios for 2030 and 2040 were defined that would enable Viet Nam to meet its offshore wind capacity targets. The scenarios outlined the capacity of offshore wind that could be deployed in each area, as well as the timeline for securing Investment Agreements and expected commissioning years. This timeline was based upon the typical development timeline for offshore wind projects and the PDP8 offshore wind targets. The assumptions used across both scenarios are shown in Table 2.9 and Table 2.10. 2. Spatial planning process 34 TABLE 2.9 2030 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO ASSUMPTIONS. Variable Assumption Justification Installation An installation target of 6 GW was assumed to align with the PDP8 6 GW target ambition to install 6 GW by 2030. North: 2.5 GW Geographical The geographical distribution of the Development Blocks was aligned Central: 0.5 GW distribution with the ambition set out in the PDP8 Implementation Plan. South: 3.0 GW A project attrition rate of 50% was assumed to account for some Development Blocks being lost as additional data or information Project 50% becomes available that renders areas unviable. It also reflects the attrition ratexv relative uncertainty around the route to market for offshore wind projects under the current regulatory framework in Viet Nam. A project size of 1 GW was assumed to be a typical project size up to Project size 1 GW 2030, based upon the trend in established offshore wind markets. A power density of 3 MW/km² was assumed, based upon a review of the power density of offshore wind projects in established markets. The review indicated that power densities ranged from 4.3 and 11.8 MW/km² for the sample projects.51 A 3 MW/km² power density was assumed Power density 3 MW/km² to allow for the optimization of Project Area site selection within Development Blocks as more spatial information become available. This also aligned with the assumptions used for the technical potential analysis carried out by ESMAP.5 A 1 GW project with a power density of 3 MW/km² results in a Area 333 km² Development Block area of 333 km². A precautionary separation distance of 10 km between Development Blocks was assumed, based upon a review of inter-site distances between project in established markets. The review recommended that inter-site distances above 4 nm (7.4 km) should be use in offshore wind planning.52 Separation 10 km Further engagement with industry developers found that 10 km was seen distance as an acceptable distance. It should be noted that offshore wind projects have been deployed closer than 10 km in several markets but a 10 km separation distance was assumed to reduce potential wake loss impacts and the need for compensation agreements.xvi TABLE 2.10 2040 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO ASSUMPTIONS. Variable Assumption Justification An installation target of 40 GW was assumed to align with the PDP8 Installation ambition to install between 70 GW and 91.5 GW by 2050. It was 40 GW target assumed that 34 GW will be installed between 2030 and 2040 because 6 GW will be installed by 2030. North: 15 GW The geographical distribution of the Development Blocks was scaled Geographical Central: 4 GW in proportion to the 2030 geographical split outlined in the PDP8 distribution South: 15 GW Implementation Plan. A project attrition rate of 25% was assumed to account for some Development Blocks being lost as additional data or information Project 25% becomes available that renders areas unviable. It is, however, attrition ratexv anticipated there will clearer route to market for offshore wind projects developed post-2030. xv Project attrition rate refers to the assumed percentage that may be lost from the total number of identified Development Blocks due to additional data or information becoming available that renders some areas unviable. xvi Wake loss impact refers to the reduction of wind speed and revenue for downwind turbines due to the wake caused by upwind turbines. 35 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Variable Assumption Justification A project size of 2 GW was assumed to be a typical project size between 2030 and 2040 based upon the trend in established offshore Project size 2 GW wind markets. This is also in line with the ambitions set out in the PDP8 to install offshore wind projects greater than 2 GW.xvii A power density of 3 MW/km² was assumed, based upon the same Power density 3 MW/km² justification as the 2030 scenario (see Table 2.9). A 2 GW project with a power density of 3 MW/km² results in a Area 666 km² Development Block area of 666 km². A precautionary separation distance of 10 km between Development Separation 10 km Blocks was assumed based upon the same justification as the 2030 distance scenario (see Table 2.9). Siting Development Blocks In accordance with the deployment plan scenarios, Development Blocks were identified by reviewing the spatial analysis and siting Development Blocks in the most suitable areas. The siting considered, in order of priority, that Development Blocks should: ■ Be located within a Development Zone, to avoid technical hard constraints and the areas with the highest biodiversity and social sensitivity ■ Be in areas suitable for fixed offshore foundations (water depths less than 60 meters), because fixed foundation technology is more established and lower cost compared to floating foundation technology so these areas should be prioritized ■ Be located in areas with the lowest relative LCOE, to capitalize upon the areas that are most economically viable, and ■ Avoid areas with high or moderate biodiversity and social sensitivity levels (Level 3 and 4) where possible, considering the other siting criteria. Grid connection The deployment scenarios and siting of Development Blocks were not informed by the transmission network expansion plan. This was because the transmission network expansion plan is subject to change, with the timing and location of substation and transmission lines build-out remaining flexible to market demands. It is understood the transmission expansion plan will be adapted to meet the needs of offshore wind projects once Project Areas have been identified. The scope of this project did not include detailed power system modelling to determine a detailed grid connection strategy for all potential scenarios or project locations, due to the level of data and modelling resources required to undertake scenario or project specific power system modelling. Future detailed modelling and analysis will be required at a project scale as an essential step in determining optimal grid connection strategies for proposed projects as they are progressed. This project did, however, account for impact of grid connection locations through the relative LCOE analysis and through a qualitative assessment of sensitivities and constraints along potential export corridors for 2030 Development Blocks. xvii PDP8 includes reference to several project with capacities greater than 2 GW post-2030. 2. Spatial planning process 36 The LCOE analysis used a spatial proxy to account for export system costs. As set out in Section 2.3.2, it assumed the distance to the grid connection was 20 km away from the closest point to shore. A qualitative assessment of sensitivities and constraints along potential export corridors for Development Blocks was also completed. This used the PDP8 500 kV transmission network expansion map shown in Figure 2.11.xviii Based upon the transmission network expansion plan, potential grid connection points were identified for each 2030 Development Block. This was defined as the closest potential grid connection location to a Development Block. An indicative export corridor between each Development Block and the closest grid connection point was then created. This was defined as a perpendicular line to the coast originating at the nearest point of landfall to the grid connection point and connected to the nearest point of the Development Block, applying a 500 m buffer. The technical, biodiversity and social data layers were then used to qualitatively assess any significant sensitivities and constraints along the export corridor. While this is unlikely to reflect the actual export cable corridor, this approach was taken to identify significant sensitivities and constraints that could influence future Project Area placement. Spatial analysis at a project level is needed to define an appropriate grid connection design and export cable corridor from each Development Block. This was only undertaken for the Development Blocks identified for the 2030 scenario and can be found in Appendix C. FIGURE 2.11 POTENTIAL GRID CONNECTION LOCATIONS DATA LAYER. xviii This map was developed as part of PDP8 and provided by the IoE. This map was georeferenced to be included within the spatial model. 37 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Results 2030 deployment plan scenario The 2030 scenario is based on the PDP8 target of 6 GW of installed capacity by 2030. The PDP8 target of 6 GW by 2030 was announced May 2023. It is assumed that projects contributing to this target will secure Investment Agreements before 2026 and constructed at earliest by 2030. This is a highly optimistic scenario since the regulatory and legislative framework required to deliver this volume of capacity by the end of the decade has not yet been established and a project typically takes four to five years to develop and two to three years to construct. While this may impact the temporal deployment of offshore wind projects, it does not impact the spatial distribution of Development Blocks identified through this project and shown in Figure 2.12. To achieve the geographical distribution of offshore wind deployment set out in the PDP8 Implementation Plan, which specifies an aim to install 0.5 GW of offshore wind in the central part of Viet Nam’s coastline, Development Blocks suitable for floating offshore wind have been identified in the central study area. This is because the water depths in the central study area exceed 60 m and therefore only floating offshore wind project are suitable in this area. This is optimistic given the relatively early stage of development of floating offshore wind and the higher cost compared with fixed bottom offshore wind technology which would require separate auction and offtake arrangements to be put in place for floating offshore wind. The following sections provide high-level overview of the sensitivities and constraints for the Development Blocks identified in the north study area (Figure 2.13 and Table 2.11), the central study area (Figure 2.14 and Table 2.12) and the south study area (Figure 2.15 and Table 2.13). Appendix C provides more detailed profiles for each Development Block. 2. Spatial planning process 38 FIGURE 2.12 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS FOR THE 2030 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO. 39 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning FIGURE 2.13 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS IN THE NORTH STUDY AREA FOR THE 2030 DEPLOYMENT OF SCENARIO. 2. Spatial planning process 40 TABLE 2.11 NORTH STUDY AREA 2030 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK’S SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS. LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score The Development The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an area Block is sited in an sited in an area with a water which intersects with moderate productivity area that is close depth <100 m which is a fishing grounds. Note, the area with a score to highly trafficked non-discrete pelagic habitat of 3 only accounts for a small percentage of shipping areas. and is mapped as low the Development Block area, with most of 1 6 2 3 sensitivity for avian collision the area scoring 2 because of fishing grounds and displacement risk in with low productivity. At its closest point, the BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Development Block is also approximately 15 km from shore which drives area with a score of 3 on the landward side. The Development The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an area Block is sited in an sited in an area with a water which intersects with moderate productivity area that is close depth <100 m which is a fishing grounds. to highly trafficked non-discrete pelagic habitat 2 6 shipping areas 2 and is mapped as low 3 and an aviation sensitivity for avian collision safety zone (Cat and displacement risk in Bi International BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Airport). The Development The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an area Block is sited in an sited in an area with a water which intersects with moderate productivity area that is close depth <100 m which is a fishing grounds. to highly trafficked non-discrete pelagic habitat 3 6 shipping areas 2 and is mapped as low 3 and an aviation sensitivity for avian collision safety zone (Cat and displacement risk in Bi International BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Airport). 41 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score The Development The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an area Block is sited in an sited in an area with a water which intersects with moderate productivity area that is close depth <100 m which is a fishing grounds. to highly trafficked non-discrete pelagic habitat 4 6 2 3 shipping areas. and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an area Block is sited in an sited in an area with a water within high productivity fishing grounds. area that is close depth <100 m which is a Development of offshore wind projects in this to highly trafficked non-discrete pelagic habitat area might require changes to navigation shipping areas. and is mapped as low routes or rules for fishing boats which 5 6 2 sensitivity for avian collision 4 could reduce income from fishing for local and displacement risk in communities. Note, the area with a score BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. of 4 accounts for approximately half of Development Block 5. The other half of the area is scored 3 because of fishing grounds with moderate productivity. The Development The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an area Block is sited in an sited in an area with a water which intersects with moderate productivity area that is close depth <100 m which is a fishing grounds. to highly trafficked non-discrete pelagic habitat 6 6 shipping areas 2 and is mapped as low 3 and an aviation sensitivity for avian collision safety zone (Cat and displacement risk in Bi International BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Airport). 2. Spatial planning process 42 FIGURE 2.14 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS IN THE CENTRAL STUDY AREA FOR THE 2030 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO. 43 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 2.12 CENTRAL STUDY AREA 2030 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK’S SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS. LCOE Highest Highest rating Development Technical biodiversity Biodiversity social (highest Social sensitivities Block constraints sensitivity sensitivities sensitivity % of area score score covered) The Development The Development The Development Block is sited in an area Block is sited in an Block is sited in an where there is a moderate level of dependence area that is close area with a water on fishing for the local community. This to highly trafficked depth >100 m which is only accounts for a small percentage of the shipping areas and a non-discrete pelagic area covered by Development Block 7. The 7 7 1 3 an aviation safety habitat and is mapped Development Block also intersects with the zone (Phu Cat as low sensitivity for tourism development region. These areas will International Airport). avian collision and be prioritized for tourism development. Note, displacement risk in the area with a score of 3 accounts for a small BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. percentage of the Development Block. The Development The Development Block The Development Block is sited in an Block is sited in an is sited in an area area where there is a moderate level area that is close mapped as moderate of dependence on fishing for the local to highly trafficked sensitivity in terms community. The Development Block is sited 8 6 3 3 shipping areas and of avian collision and in an area which intersects with the tourism an aviation safety displacement risk on development region. These areas will be zone (Phu Cat BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. prioritized for tourism development. International Airport). 2. Spatial planning process 44 FIGURE 2.15 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS IN THE SOUTH STUDY AREA FOR THE 2030 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO. 45 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 2.13 SOUTH STUDY AREA 2030 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK’S SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS. LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped sited in an area where there is close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in a high level of dependence on shipping areas and an terms of avian collision fishing for the local community. aviation safety zone (Phan and displacement risk on Note, the area with a score of 9 1 4 4 Rang Air Base). BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. 4 only accounts for a small percentage in Development Block 9. Most of the area is scored 3 because of fishing grounds with moderate productivity. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped an area where there is a high level close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in of dependence on fishing for the 10 2 4 4 shipping areas and an terms of avian collision local community. aviation safety zone (Phan and displacement risk on Rang Air Base). BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped in an area where there is a high close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in level of dependence on fishing shipping areas and an terms of avian collision for the local community. The 11 2 4 4 aviation safety zone (Phan and displacement risk on Development Block is also sited Rang Air Base). BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. in an area which intersects with marine routes for tourism to Phu Quy Island. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped in an area where there is a close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in high level of dependence on shipping areas and an terms of avian collision fishing for the local community. 12 2 4 4 aviation safety zone (Phan and displacement risk on The Development Block is sited Rang Air Base). BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. in an area which intersects with marine routes for tourism to Phu Quy Island. 2. Spatial planning process 46 LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped an area where there is a high level close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in of dependence on fishing for the 13 3 4 4 shipping areas. terms of avian collision local community. and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped in an area which intersects with close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in a Protected Areas for Fisheries shipping areas and oil and terms of avian collision Resources. Protected Areas for gas infrastructure. and displacement risk on Fisheries Resources are defined BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. as habitats, reproductive areas or 14 2 4 4 places where the offspring of at least one aquatic species included in the list of endangered, precious and rare aquatic species, native aquatic species or transboundary aquatic species live regularly or seasonally. 47 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning 2040 deployment plan scenario The 2040 scenario is based on the PDP8’s ambition to install between 70 GW and 91.5 GW by 2050. The PDP8 target to install between 70 GW and 91.5 GW by 2050 was announced May 2023. It aims to identify the sites that could be granted Investment Agreements to install 40 GW by 2040. The spatial distribution of 2040 Development Blocks is shown in Figure 2.16. The geographical distribution of Development Blocks is guided by the offshore wind targets set out in the PDP8 Implementation Plan. This has resulted in Development Blocks being sited in areas suitable for floating offshore wind in the central study area, while areas suitable for fixed offshore with relatively low LCOE in the south are not utilized. The following sections provide high-level overview of the sensitivities and constraints for the Development Blocks identified in the north study area (Figure 2.17 and Table 2.14), the central study area (Figure 2.18 and Table 2.15) and the south study area (Figure 2.19 and Table 2.16). 2. Spatial planning process 48 FIGURE 2.16 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS FOR 2040 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO. 49 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning FIGURE 2.17 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS IN THE NORTH STUDY AREA FOR THE 2040 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO. 2. Spatial planning process 50 TABLE 2.14 NORTH STUDY AREA 2040 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK’S SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS. LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited is sited in an area that is sited in an area with a water in an area within low productivity close to highly trafficked depth <100 m which is a non- fishing grounds. shipping areas. discrete pelagic habitat and 15 7 2 2 is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in is sited in an area that is sited in an area with a water an area within high productivity close to highly trafficked depth <100 m which is a non- fishing grounds. Development shipping areas. discrete pelagic habitat and of offshore wind projects in this 16 6 2 is mapped as low sensitivity 4 area might require changes to for avian collision and navigation routes or rules for displacement risk in BirdLife’s fishing boats which could reduce AVISTEP tool. income from fishing for local communities. No identified technical The Development Block is The Development Block is sited constraints sited in an area with a water in an area within moderate depth <100 m which is a non- productivity fishing grounds. discrete pelagic habitat and 17 7 2 3 is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is Development Block 18 intersects is sited in an area that is sited in an area with a water with fishing ground with high close to highly trafficked depth <100 m which is a non- productivity, means “high” shipping areas. discrete pelagic habitat and sensitivity vulnerable livelihoods. 18 8 2 is mapped as low sensitivity 4 However, most of Development for avian collision and Block 18 is mapped of score 3, displacement risk in BirdLife’s which is constituted by the overlap AVISTEP tool. with the fishing ground with moderate productivity. 51 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score No identified technical The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in constrains sited in an area with a water an area within high productivity depth <100 m which is a non- fishing grounds. Development of discrete pelagic habitat and offshore wind projects in this area 19 7 2 4 is mapped as low sensitivity might require changes to navigation for avian collision and routes or rules for fishing boats displacement risk in BirdLife’s which could reduce income from AVISTEP tool. fishing for local communities. The Development Block The Development Block is Development Block 20 intersects is sited in an area that is sited in an area with a water with two fishing grounds with high close to highly trafficked depth <100 m which is a non- and moderate productivity with shipping areas. discrete pelagic habitat and the same proportion. 20 8 2 4 is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited is sited in an area that is sited in an area with a water in an area within moderate close to highly trafficked depth <100 m which is a non- productivity fishing grounds. shipping areas. discrete pelagic habitat and And it is about 7 km from 21 8 2 3 is mapped as low sensitivity the nearest Protected Area for for avian collision and Fisheries Resources. displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. No identified technical The Development Block is The Development Block is sited constrains sited in an area with a water in an area within moderate depth <100 m which is a non- productivity fishing grounds. discrete pelagic habitat and 22 8 2 3 is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. 2. Spatial planning process 52 LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited is sited in an area that is sited in an area with a water in an area within moderate close to highly trafficked depth <100 m which is a non- productivity fishing grounds. It shipping areas. discrete pelagic habitat and is also in close to a restricted 23 8 2 3 is mapped as low sensitivity area for fishing for a limited time for avian collision and and Protected Area for Fisheries displacement risk in BirdLife’s Resources (about 8 km from the AVISTEP tool. nearest one). The Development Block The Development Block is This Block intersects with tourism is sited in an area that is sited in an area with a water development region. This means close to highly trafficked depth <100 m which is a non- that it could impact recreation and shipping areas and an discrete pelagic habitat and tourism activities. Besides, this is 24 8 2 3 aviation safety zone is mapped as low sensitivity in sited in an area within moderate (Dong Hoi Airport). for avian collision and productivity fishing grounds. displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. 53 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning FIGURE 2.18 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS IN THE CENTRAL STUDY AREA FOR THE 2040 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO. 2. Spatial planning process 54 TABLE 2.15 CENTRAL STUDY AREA 2040 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK’S SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS. LCOE rating Highest Highest Development (highest biodiversity social Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block % of area sensitivity sensitivity covered) score score No identified technical The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in constraints. sited in an area with a water an area which intersects with an depth >100 m which is a non- area where there is a moderate discrete pelagic habitat and level of dependence on fishing for 25 7 1 3 is mapped as low sensitivity the local community. It is also for avian collision and close a tourism region which could displacement risk in BirdLife’s have an impact on recreation and AVISTEP tool. tourism activities. The Development Block The Development Block is Development Block 26 intersects is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped with a tourism development region. close to highly trafficked as moderate sensitivity 26 6 3 3 shipping areas. in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is Development Block 27 intersects is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped with tourism development close to highly trafficked as moderate sensitivity region but this value just account shipping areas and an in terms of avian collision for a small portion. The large aviation safety zone and displacement risk on part due to Development Block 27 (Dong Tac Airport). BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. is within areas with low-level of 27 6 3 3 dependence of community on fishing. Further engagement with tourism authorities and coastal community will help to understand how this might impact wind farm development. 55 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning FIGURE 2.19 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS IN THE SOUTH STUDY AREA FOR THE 2040 DEPLOYMENT SCENARIO. 2. Spatial planning process 56 TABLE 2.16 SOUTH STUDY AREA 2040 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK’S SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS. LCOE Highest Highest rating Development biodiversity social (highest Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block sensitivity sensitivity % of area score score covered) The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that sited in an area mapped area within high productivity fishing is close to an aviation as moderate sensitivity grounds. It is also close to a tourism 28 4 3 4 safety zone (Cam Ranh in terms of avian collision region which could have an impact on Airport). and displacement risk on recreation and tourism activities. BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped area within high productivity fishing close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in grounds and is close to a restricted 29 3 shipping areas and an 4 terms of avian collision 4 area for fishing for a limited time. It is aviation safety zone and displacement risk on also close to a tourism region which (Cam Ranh Airport). BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. could have an impact on recreation and tourism activities. The Development Block The Development Block is Development Block 30 intersects with is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped high productivity fishing grounds but close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in with small portion. The large portion shipping areas. terms of avian collision is mapped as score 3 by overlapping 30 3 4 and displacement risk on 4 with moderate productivity fishing BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. grounds. Besides, it is close to a tourism development region which could have an impact on recreation and tourism activities. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped area within moderate productivity close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in fishing grounds. 31 3 4 3 shipping areas. terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped area within moderate productivity close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in fishing grounds. 32 3 4 3 shipping areas. terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. 57 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning LCOE Highest Highest rating Development biodiversity social (highest Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block sensitivity sensitivity % of area score score covered) The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped area within high productivity fishing close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in grounds. Development of offshore shipping areas. terms of avian collision wind projects in this area might 33 4 4 4 and displacement risk on require changes to navigation routes BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. or rules for fishing boats which could reduce income from fishing for local communities. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped area within moderate productivity close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in fishing grounds and is close to a shipping areas. terms of avian collision Protected Area for Fisheries Resources. 34 4 4 and displacement risk on 3 It is also around 11 km from national BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. cultural heritage sites in Phu Quy The Development Blocks Island and is 10 km from provincial is also close to Phy Quy tourism area (Phu Quy Island). Island MPA. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped area within high productivity fishing close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in grounds, where there is a high level shipping areas and oil terms of avian collision of dependence on fishing for the local and gas infrastructure. and displacement risk on community and is close to a Protected BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Area for Fisheries Resources. It is also The Development Blocks close to: is also close to Phy Quy • A shipwreck excavation in Binh Island MPA. Thuan province marine area • Phu Quy Port 35 3 4 4 • A provincial tourism area (Phu Quy island) • National cultural heritage sites in Phu Quy island, and • A marine route for tourism. This is the Development Block with the most social sensitivities to consider, as it could impact, recreation and tourism, cultural heritage and fishing activities. 2. Spatial planning process 58 LCOE Highest Highest rating Development biodiversity social (highest Technical constraints Biodiversity sensitivities Social sensitivities Block sensitivity sensitivity % of area score score covered) The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped an area within high productivity close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in fishing grounds and intersects with shipping areas and oil terms of avian collision an area where there is a high level of and gas infrastructure. and displacement risk on dependence on fishing for the local 36 3 4 BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. 4 community. Development of offshore wind projects in this area might require changes to navigation routes or rules for fishing boats which could reduce income from fishing for local communities. The Development Block The Development Block is The Development Block is sited in an is sited in an area that is sited in an area mapped area within high productivity fishing close to highly trafficked as high sensitivity in grounds. Development of offshore shipping areas and oil terms of avian collision wind projects in this area might 37 4 4 4 and gas infrastructure. and displacement risk on require changes to navigation routes BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. or rules for fishing boats which could reduce income from fishing for local communities. 59 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning 2.5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION The results of this project were subject to a consultation process with stakeholders. A stakeholder workshop was held in January 2024 with over 60 participants from 30 organizations. The aim of the consultation process was to: ■ Receive feedback on the spatial modelling approach ■ Identify any issues with the proposed Development Blocks, and ■ Solicit any further information or data layers that could be used in further spatial planning for offshore wind in Viet Nam. Participants were invited to provide feedback on the results of the project via an online survey, and the results were updated accordingly. Key stakeholder input and its impact are summarized in Table 2.17. TABLE 2.17 STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP INPUTS AND IMPACTS. Stakeholder input Impact The buffer for pipelines and power cables was increased from 250 m to 500 m. This had a small It was highlighted that there should be a buffer of impact on all Development Blocks that were 500 m applied to all pipelines and power cables. adjacent to pipelines and power cables as they lost A buffer of 250 m had previously been applied. area due to the increased buffer so grew accordingly in other directions. A concern was raised related to one of the This Development Block was reviewed and Development Blocks in northern area of the 2030 subsequently relocated to avoid this area. The shipping scenario because it was located in a highly density layer was reviewed and updated to avoid areas trafficked shipping area between Haiphong and of a similar shipping density. the Hainan Strait. This project recognizes the need to account for military areas and other areas related to national defense A concern was raised over the fact data relating within technical hard constraint mapping. This data to national defense had not informed the technical has not been made available to this project on the hard constraint map. grounds of national security. It was included in the list of constrains and values that should be considered in future spatial planning work (see Appendix B). This project recognizes the importance of accounting for the changing environmental conditions related to A request was made to consider the changing climate change within spatial planning. It was beyond environmental factors related to climate change that the scope of this project to undertake a climate could impact the siting of Development Blocks. change impact assessment. It was included as part of the recommendations that this should be undertaken to progress future offshore wind spatial planning. 2. Spatial planning process 60 3. RECOMMENDATIONS This project is an early-stage planning exercise which is broad in scale and addresses a large area of interest. It is intended to provide an indication of locations that are considered appropriate for sustainable offshore wind development. The Development Blocks identified as part of this project indicate the least constrained, most economically attractive areas for offshore wind deployment, based upon a high-level resource, constraint, and sensitivity assessment. This spatial analysis has been based upon existing available data layers and supported by stakeholder input. It must be recognized, however, that this project has found a scarcity of national, regional, and local data layers to base the spatial modelling. This has resulted in a dependency on using data layers with a global scale or to omit values and constraints from the analysis where no relevant data layers could be identified. It is therefore the principal recommendation of this project that MOIT, in collaboration with MONRE and VASI, use this analysis, approach and the supporting data as the basis for further spatial modelling that will refine the Development Blocks, allowing Project Areas to be identified. MOIT should adopt an iterative approach to build upon this project, amending the analysis and the resulting offshore wind development areas as more data is gathered to support the spatial model. The following ten recommendations have been designed to support MOIT in the next stage of offshore wind sectoral planning: 1. Review the data layers used within the spatial model (Appendix A) to identify other existing data layers that the Government of Viet Nam has access to that are more up to date, have a better resolution or are more reliable that can be used to refine or replace those used in the current model. 2. Review the constraints and values for which no data layers were sourced but should be considered in future planning (Appendix B), and use this to identify existing data layers that the Government of Viet Nam has access to that can be added to the current spatial model. 3. Carry out further data collection and knowledge co-generation activities with national and local stakeholders to address high-level data gaps that need to be included in the offshore wind sectoral planning process (for example, assessing the onshore biodiversity and social sensitivities that could be impacted by offshore wind developments. 4. Carry out wider consultation with offshore wind developers to ensure that the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral plan is informed by and is aligned with industry views. 5. Carry out a climate change risk assessment to assess how the changes caused by climate change may impact the location of offshore wind Development Blocks, including consideration of potential climate change impacts on sea-level, habitat and species distributions, fisheries, wind resource, and the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. 61 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning 6. Carry out offshore wind data collection campaigns to provide wind data that can be used to validate the modelled wind resource data used in this study. 7. Ensure the Viet Nam Offshore Sectoral Plan continues to be developed in parallel to the transmission grid expansion plans so that both plans account for one another. 8. Conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral plan once the Development Block areas have been further refined, to assess the cumulative impact of deploying offshore wind at scale in these areas on biodiversity and social values. 9. Integrate the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Plan with the National Marine Spatial Plan to address cross-sector synergies and conflicts. 10. Monitor and review the Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Plan, updating the spatial model as new information becomes available, (including further iterations of PDP8 which might impact the deployment scenarios and desired geographical distribution of projects as offshore wind targets change. 3. Recommendations 62 APPENDIX Photo: Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin / Shutterstock.com 63 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning APPENDIX A: PROJECT DATA LAYERS Table 3.1 shows the data layers that were used within this project. This study relied on the interpretation of existing datasets. The project did not undertake any primary data collection. Due to the scale of the sea area being assessed and the relatively coarse scale and accuracy of many of the datasets used, future data collection and survey work will be required to validate the findings of the study at a project scale. The results of the study indicate areas of broad suitability for offshore wind development and should not be interpreted as an indication that projects located in the identified areas will be free from technical risks or significant social or biodiversity impacts that might influence project viability. TABLE 3.1 PROJECT DATA LAYERS Airport Technical hard OpenFlights10 Global 2017 n/a Database constraint mapping Biodiversity AVISTEP Birdlife International25 Viet Nam 2022 5 km sensitivity mapping Allen Coral Atlas Biodiversity Coral Map Partnership and Global 2022 4m sensitivity mapping Arizona State University14 Data adapted from multiple Dependence sources, including MONRE Social sensitivity on the sea for Viet Nam Various n/a and The Government of mapping livelihood Viet Nam26, 27 Data adapted from multiple Diving sources, including MONRE Social sensitivity Viet Nam Various n/a tourism areas and Provincial People’s mapping Committee3, 28, 29 Data adapted from multiple sources, including Provincial Ecotourism Social sensitivity People’s Committee and Viet Nam Various n/a areas mapping Provincial Department of Tourism28, 29, 30, 31 Convention on Biodiversity EBSAs Global 2023 n/a Biological Diversity15 sensitivity mapping Extreme UN Office for Disaster Technical feasibility Global 2022 1 km wind speeds Risk Reduction assessment Research Institute Social sensitivity Fishing grounds Viet Nam 2023 n/a for Marine Fisheries32 mapping ESMAP technical Global Wind DTU and the WB potential analysis Global 2019 1.5 km Atlas v3.0 and LCOE analysis ESMAP technical GEBCO_2019 GEBCO potential analysis Global 2019 400 m and LCOE analysis APpendix A: Project data layers 64 Data layer Source Spatial analysis Extent Date Resolution Global Oil and Gas Technical hard Infrastructure US Department of Energy12 Global 2018 n/a constraint mapping Features Database Intertidal Biodiversity Murray et al.17 Global 2019 100 m habitats sensitivity mapping IUCN—Marine Mammal Biodiversity IMMAs Global 2022 n/a Protected Areas Task Force16 sensitivity mapping IUCN Red List of Biodiversity IBAT Alliance18 Global 2022 n/a Threatened sensitivity mapping Species Biodiversity KBAs IBAT Alliance19 Global 2022 n/a sensitivity mapping Local and non-official Province People’s Social sensitivity Viet Nam 2021 n/a cultural Committee33 mapping heritage sites Local Provincial People’s Social sensitivity Viet Nam n/a n/a tourism areas Committee28 mapping Allen Coral Atlas Biodiversity Mangrove Map Partnership and Global 2022 4m sensitivity mapping Arizona State University14 Marine Data adapted from multiple transport sources, including Social sensitivity Viet Nam Various n/a routes for MONRE and Provincial mapping tourism People’s Committee3, 34 Data adapted from multiple National sources, including MCST Social sensitivity cultural Viet Nam Various n/a and Provincial People’s mapping heritage sites Committee28, 35 Data adapted from National Social sensitivity multiple sources, including Viet Nam Various n/a tourist areas mapping MCST36, 37, 38 Protected areas Data adapted from Social sensitivity for fisheries multiple sources, Viet Nam Various n/a mapping resources including MONRE3, 26 Provincial Data adapted from multiple Social sensitivity cultural sources, including Provincial Viet Nam Various n/a mapping heritage sites People’s Committee28, 29, 41 Provincial Provincial People’s Social sensitivity Viet Nam n/a n/a tourism areas Committee42 mapping Restricted Provincial People’s Social sensitivity Viet Nam n/a n/a fishing areas Committee44 mapping 65 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Data layer Source Spatial analysis Extent Date Resolution Restricted Data adapted from fishing Social sensitivity multiple sources, Viet Nam Various n/a areas for a mapping including MARD26, 45 limited time Allen Coral Atlas Biodiversity Seagrass Map Partnership and Arizona Global 2022 4m sensitivity mapping State University14 Seismic Technical feasibility NASA Global 2022 5 km conditions assessment Shipwreck Viet Nam National Museum Social sensitivity Viet Nam 2019 n/a excavation of History47 mapping Spoon Billed Data adapted from multiple Biodiversity Sandpiper Viet Nam Various n/a sources sensitivity mapping foraging sites Submarine Technical hard TeleGeography13 Global 2024 n/a Cable Map constraint mapping Tourism Social sensitivity MONRE3 Viet Nam 2022 n/a activities mapping Tourism Social sensitivity development MONRE3 Viet Nam 2022 n/a mapping regions Turtle Biodiversity Cuong and The22 Viet Nam 2015 n/a nesting sites sensitivity mapping Social sensitivity Visual impact Sullivan et al.48 Viet Nam 2013 n/a mapping UN Environment Programme Biodiversity WDPAs Global 2023 n/a and IUCN21 sensitivity mapping APpendix A: Project data layers 66 APPENDIX B: CONSTRAINTS AND VALUES TO CONSIDER IN FUTURE PLANNING Table 3.2 shows the constrains and values for which reliable spatial data layers could not be sourced and should therefore be considered in future planning related to offshore wind. Data layers that relate to the constraints and values assessed within this analysis but are more accurate in terms of their ages, resolution or reliability should be used to refine the results further in future planning related to offshore wind. TABLE 3.2 CONSTRAINTS AND VALUES TO CONSIDER IN FUTURE PLANNING. Spatial modelling Constraints or values Technical hard constraints Disposal site agreementsxix Legally designated shipping routes Military areas Mineral and aggregate agreements Oil and gas agreements Pipeline agreements Submarine power cables Submarine power cable agreements Unexploded ordnance Sediment depth Sediment type Bedrock type Biodiversity sensitivity mapping Marine mammal breeding areas and migration routes Social sensitivity mapping War graves xix The term “agreements” is defined as areas where there may not be physical infrastructure but the rights to the seabed have been allocated to another party. For example, there may not be oil and gas infrastructure currently in place but the rights to build oil and gas infrastructure in a certain area has been allocated. 67 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning APPENDIX C: 2030 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK PROFILES DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 1 Figure 3.1 shows Development Block 1. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 71 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.3 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.4 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.1 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 1. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 68 TABLE 3.3 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 1. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 1 is adjacent to highly trafficked shipping areas to the south. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Biodiversity Habitat The Development Block is sited in an area with a water and birds depth <100 m which is a non-discrete pelagic habitat and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on 2 the available biodiversity data, Development Block 1 may be acceptable for offshore wind development, in line with the mitigation hierarchy, and subject to project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm sensitivity. Social Fishing The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects ground with moderate productivity fishing grounds, where there is a moderate level of dependence on fishing for the local community. Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to confirm moderate sensitivity assessment. Note, the area with a social sensitivity score of 3 only 3 accounts for a small percentage in Development Block 1. Most of the area is scored 2 because of fishing grounds with low productivity. Visual At its closest point, the Development Block is impact approximately 15 km from shore. An offshore wind development could have a visual impact upon the seascape which could impact local communities, along with recreation and tourism activities. TABLE 3.4 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 1. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 1 passes through areas with sensitivity scores of 2, 3 and 4. Sensitivity score 4 means an area is of high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, it is because the cable route passes within 5 km the Dao Cat Ba MPA, the Cat Ba UNESCO-Man and the Biosphere Programme (MB) Reserve and the Cat Ba KBA. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. 69 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Social Dependence on the The export corridor intersects an area where there is a moderate level of sea for livelihood dependence on fishing for the local community. Further investigations and engagement are required at a project level to define the level of impact on the coastal communities because a subsea cable could impact the type of fishing carried out along the export cable corridor. Protected Area for The export corridor intersects a Protected Area for Fisheries Resources. Fisheries Resources Protected Areas for Fisheries Resources are considered to have a high sensitivity since they contain coastal and inland marine ecosystems that are rapidly declining due to overexploitation. Further investigations and local level stakeholder engagement are required to understand the nature of the Protected Area and the offshore wind impacts it could be susceptible to. Cultural heritage The export corridor is close to the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site/ Special National Cultural Heritage Site. Further investigations and engagement with related management stakeholders such as the MCST, Provincial People’s Committee, and shipping authorities would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas importance from will be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would recreation and be needed to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. tourism Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 70 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 2 Figure 3.2 shows Development Block 2. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 47 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.5 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.6 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.2 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 2. TABLE 3.5 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 2. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 2 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north, east and west. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 60 km from the nearest airport, Cat Bi International Airport. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. 71 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Biodiversity Habitat and The Development Block is sited in an area with a water birds depth <100 m which is a non-discrete pelagic habitat and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on 2 the available biodiversity data, Development Block 2 may be acceptable for offshore wind development, in line with the mitigation hierarchy, and subject to project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm sensitivity. Social Fishing The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects ground with moderate productivity fishing grounds. Further detailed 3 social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to confirm moderate sensitivity assessment. TABLE 3.6 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 2. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 2 passes through areas scoring 2 and 3. Sensitivity score 3 means an area is of high conservation concern and moderate susceptibility to impact. In this case, it is because the cable route passes within 10 km of Dao Cat Ba MPA. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Fishing grounds The export corridor intersects an area with moderate productivity fishing grounds. Further investigations and engagement are required at a project level to define the level of impact on the coastal communities because a subsea cable could impact the type of fishing carried out along the export cable corridor. Protected Area The export corridor is close to a Protected Area for Fisheries Resources. for Fisheries Protected Areas for Fisheries Resources are considered to have a high Resources sensitivity since they contain coastal and inland marine ecosystems that are rapidly declining due to overexploitation. Further investigations and local level stakeholder engagement are required to understand the nature of the Protected Area and the offshore wind impacts it could be susceptible to. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas importance from will be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would be recreation and needed to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. tourism Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 72 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 3 Figure 3.3 shows Development Block 3. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 60 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.7 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.8 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.3 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 3. TABLE 3.7 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 3. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 3 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north and west. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 76 km from the nearest airport, Cat Bi International Airport. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. 73 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Biodiversity Habitat and The Development Block is sited in an area with a water birds depth <100 m which is a non-discrete pelagic habitat and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the 2 available biodiversity data, Development Block 3 may be acceptable for offshore wind development, in line with the mitigation hierarchy, and subject to project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm sensitivity. Social Fishing The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects ground with moderate productivity fishing grounds. Further detailed 3 social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to confirm moderate sensitivity assessment. TABLE 3.8 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 3. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitats The export corridor for Development Block 3 passes through areas scoring 2 and 5. Sensitivity score 5 means an area is of the highest conservation concern and stakeholder concern. In this case, it is because it is close to coral and seagrass habitat associated with the small Quan dao Long Chau islands. It is recommended that development is avoided in areas with a sensitivity score of 5. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Protected Area The export corridor is close to a Protected Area for Fisheries Resources. for Fisheries Protected Areas for Fisheries Resources are considered to have a high Resources sensitivity since they contain coastal and inland marine ecosystems that are rapidly declining due to overexploitation. Further investigations and local level stakeholder engagement are required to understand the nature of the Protected Area and the offshore wind impacts it could be susceptible to. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas importance from will be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would be recreation and needed to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. tourism Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 74 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 4 Figure 3.4 shows Development Block 4. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 87 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.9 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.10 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.4 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 4. TABLE 3.9 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 4. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 4 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. 75 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Biodiversity Habitat and birds The Development Block is sited in an area with a water depth <100 m which is a non-discrete pelagic habitat and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity data, 2 Development Block 4 may be acceptable for offshore wind development, in line with the mitigation hierarchy, and subject to project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm sensitivity. Social Fishing ground The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects with moderate productivity fishing grounds. Further detailed social-economic 3 investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to confirm moderate sensitivity assessment. TABLE 3.10 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 4. Group Value or constraint Nature of sensitivity or constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitats The export corridor for Development Block 4 passes through areas scoring 2, 3 and 5. Sensitivity score 5 means an area is of the highest conservation concern and stakeholder concern. In this case, it is because it is close to coral and seagrass habitat associated with the small Long Chau islands. It is recommended that development is avoided in areas with a sensitivity score of 5. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general and passes near the Dao Cat Ba MPA and Cat Ba UNESCO-MAB Reserve. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Protected Area for The export corridor is close to a Protected Area for Fisheries Resources. Fisheries Resources Protected Areas for Fisheries Resources are considered to have a high sensitivity since they contain coastal and inland marine ecosystems that are rapidly declining due to overexploitation. Further investigations and local level stakeholder engagement are required to understand the nature of the Protected Area and the offshore wind impacts it could be susceptible to. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas importance from will be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would be recreation and needed to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. tourism Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 76 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 5 Figure 3.5 shows Development Block 5. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 59 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.11 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.12 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.5 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 5. TABLE 3.11 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 5. Group Highest Value or Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 5 is near highly trafficked shipping areas to the east and west. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Biodiversity Habitat and The Development Block is sited in an area with a water birds depth <100 m which is a non-discrete pelagic habitat and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on 2 the available biodiversity data, Development Block 5 may be acceptable for offshore wind development, in line with the mitigation hierarchy, and subject to project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm sensitivity. 77 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Group Highest Value or Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Social Fishing ground The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects with high productivity fishing grounds. Development of offshore wind projects in this area might require changes to navigation routes or rules for fishing boats which could reduce income from fishing for local communities. Further detailed social-economic 4 investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to confirm high sensitivity assessment. Note, the area with a social sensitivity score of 4 accounts for approximately half of Development Block 5. The other half of the area is scored 3 because of fishing grounds with moderate productivity. TABLE 3.12 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 5. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Other offshore The export corridor would potentially need to avoid crossing through wind projects other offshore wind projects, if projects were sited in Development Blocks 2 and 6. This would not preclude development, since the export corridor can likely be moved to avoid other projects, but it should be considered during project design. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 5 passes through an area scoring 2 in sensitivity mapping for this project, that is moderate conservation concern and moderate susceptibility to impact. This is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as low sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk, and because the area is also mapped as non-discrete pelagic habitat <100 m deep. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. It also passes through Tien Hai protected area, Tien Hai KBA and the Red River Delta UNESCO-MAB Reserve. Note that to align with WB and IFC standards, development in legally protected areas and internationally recognized areas must: be legally permitted; be consistent with any recognized management plans for the area; involve consultation with key relevant stakeholders; and promote and enhance the conservation aims and effective management of the area. Achieving these requirements could potentially be incompatible with offshore wind development. It must also align with requirements for Natural and Critical Habitats (as defined in IFC PS6 and WB ESS6). Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Restricted The export corridor intersects a Restricted Fishing Area for a Limited Fishing Area for a Time. This might impact in the livelihoods of local communities. Further Limited Time investigation would be needed at a project level to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 78 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 6 Figure 3.6 shows Development Block 6. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 39 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.13 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.14 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.6 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 6. TABLE 3.13 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 6. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 6 is near highly trafficked shipping areas to the northeast. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 64 km from the nearest airport, Cat Bi International Airport. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. 79 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Biodiversity Habitat The Development Block is sited in an area with a water depth and Birds <100 m which is a non-discrete pelagic habitat and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity 2 data, Development Block 2 may be acceptable for offshore wind development, in line with the mitigation hierarchy, and subject to project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm sensitivity. Social Fishing The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects ground with moderate productivity fishing grounds. Further detailed 3 social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to confirm moderate sensitivity assessment. TABLE 3.14 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 6. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 5 passes through an area scoring 2 in sensitivity mapping for this project, that is moderate conservation concern and moderate susceptibility to impact. This is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as low sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk, and because the area is also mapped as non-discrete pelagic habitat <100 m deep. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. It also passes through Tien Hai protected area, Tien Hai KBA and the Red River Delta UNESCO-MAB Reserve. Note that to align with WB and IFC standards, development in legally protected areas and internationally recognized areas must: be legally permitted; be consistent with any recognized management plans for the area; involve consultation with key relevant stakeholders; and promote and enhance the conservation aims and effective management of the area. Achieving these requirements could potentially be incompatible with offshore wind development. It must also align with requirements for Natural and Critical Habitats (as defined in IFC PS6 and WB ESS6). Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Restricted The export corridor intersects a Restricted Fishing Area for a Limited Fishing Area for Time. This might impact in the livelihoods of local communities. Further a Limited Time investigation would be needed at a project level to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 80 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 7 Figure 3.7 shows Development Block 7. It is suitable for floating foundations and is approximately 27 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.15 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.16 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.7 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 7. 81 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 3.15 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 7. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 7 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the west. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 60 km from the nearest airport, Phu Cat International Airport. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area with a water depth >100 m which is a non-discrete pelagic habitat and is mapped as low sensitivity for avian collision and displacement risk in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on 1 the available biodiversity data, Development Block 7 may be acceptable for offshore wind development, in line with the mitigation hierarchy, and subject to project-level biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation to confirm sensitivity. Social Economic The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects importance with the tourism development region. These areas will be from prioritized for tourism development. Further detailed social- recreation and economic investigations and engagement with tourism tourism authorities are required at the project level. Note, the area with a social sensitivity score of 3 accounts for a small percentage of Development Block 7 in the nearest point to shore. Most of the area is scored 2 because 3 of potential visual impact on the seascape. Dependence The Development Block is sited in an area where there is on the sea for a moderate level of dependence on fishing for the local livelihood community. This only accounts for a small percentage of the area covered by Development Block 7 but further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to local communities. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 82 TABLE 3.16 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 7. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 7 passes through areas scoring 2 and 3. Sensitivity score 3 means an area is of high conservation concern and moderate susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as moderate sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Dependence The export corridor intersects an area where there is a moderate level of on the sea for dependence on fishing for the local community. Further investigations and livelihood engagement are required at a project level to define the level of impact on the coastal communities because a subsea cable could impact the type of fishing carried out along the export cable corridor. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas will importance be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would be needed from recreation to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. and tourism 83 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 8 Figure 3.8 shows Development Block 8. It is suitable for floating foundations and is approximately 18 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.17 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.18 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.8 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 8. TABLE 3.17 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 8. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 8 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the west. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 45 km from the nearest airport, Phu Cat International Airport. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 84 Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area scored as moderate sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available data, restrictions on development are likely 3 to be required in line with the mitigation hierarchy. To determine what kind of restrictions may be appropriate, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required at the project level. Social Dependence The Development Block is sited in an area where there on the sea for is a moderate level of dependence on fishing for the livelihood local community. Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to local 3 communities. Economic The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects importance with the tourism development region. These areas will from recreation be prioritized for tourism development. Further detailed and tourism social-economic investigations and engagement with tourism authorities are required at the project level. TABLE 3.18 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 8. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitats The export corridor for Development Block 8 passes through areas scoring 3 and 4. Sensitivity score 4 means high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is driven by proximity to intertidal habitats. The cable route also passes through an area mapped as moderate avian collision and displacement sensitivity in BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through mapped intertidal and estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Fishing grounds The export corridor intersects an area with moderate productivity fishing grounds. Further investigations and engagement are required at a project level to define the level of impact on the coastal communities because a subsea cable could impact the type of fishing carried out along the export cable corridor. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas will importance be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would be needed from recreation to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. and tourism 85 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 9 Figure 3.9 shows Development Block 9. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 16 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.19 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.20 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.9 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 9. TABLE 3.19 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 9. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 9 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north and south. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 56 km from Phan Rang Air Base. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 86 Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area scored as high sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity data, development in this area may need to be avoided. Mitigation of development impacts line with the mitigation hierarchy may be challenging and uncertain, and restrictions 4 on development would likely apply. To inform decisions on the development potential of these areas before projects are sited, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required to better understand the specific biodiversity attributes and the type of offshore wind impact(s) they could potentially be susceptible to. Social Dependence The Development Block is sited in an area where there is a on the sea high level of dependence on fishing for the local community. for livelihood Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to 4 define the impact to local communities. Note, the area with a social sensitivity score of 4 only accounts for a small percentage in Development Block 9. Most of the area is scored 3 because of fishing grounds with moderate productivity. TABLE 3.20 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 9. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 9 passes through areas scoring 4. Sensitivity score 4 means high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as high avian collision and displacement sensitivity. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through mapped estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Restricted The export corridor intersects a Restricted Fishing Area for a Limited Fishing Area for Time. This might impact in the livelihoods of local communities. Further a Limited Time investigation would be needed at a project level to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas importance will be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would be from recreation needed to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. and tourism 87 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 10 Figure 3.10 shows Development Block 10. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 36 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.21 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.22 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.10 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 10. TABLE 3.21 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 10. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 10 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 67 km from Phan Rang Air Base. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 88 Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area scored as high sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity data, development in this area may need to be avoided. Mitigation of development impacts line with the mitigation hierarchy may be challenging and 4 uncertain, and restrictions on development would likely apply. To inform decisions on the development potential of these areas before projects are sited, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required to better understand the specific biodiversity attributes and the type of offshore wind impact(s) they could potentially be susceptible to. Social Dependence The Development Block is sited in an area where on the sea for there is a high level of dependence on fishing for the livelihood local community. Further detailed social-economic 4 investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to local communities. TABLE 3.22 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 10. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 10 passes through areas scoring 4. Sensitivity score 4 means high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as high avian collision and displacement sensitivity. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through mapped estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Protected Area The export corridor is close to a Protected Area for Fisheries Resources. for Fisheries Protected Areas for Fisheries Resources are considered to have a high Resources sensitivity since they contain coastal and inland marine ecosystems that are rapidly declining due to overexploitation. Further investigations and local level stakeholder engagement are required to understand the nature of the Protected Area and the offshore wind impacts it could be susceptible to. 89 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 11 Figure 3.11 shows Development Block 11. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 16 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.23 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.24 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.11 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 11. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 90 TABLE 3.23 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 11. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 11 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north and south. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 100 km from Phan Rang Air Base. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area scored as high sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity data, development in this area may need to be avoided. Mitigation of development impacts line with the mitigation hierarchy may be challenging and 4 uncertain, and restrictions on development would likely apply. To inform decisions on the development potential of these areas before projects are sited, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required to better understand the specific biodiversity attributes and the type of offshore wind impact(s) they could potentially be susceptible to. Social Dependence The Development Block is sited in an area where on the sea for there is a high level of dependence on fishing for the livelihood local community. Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to local communities. Marine The Development Block is sited in an area which transport intersects with marine routes for tourism to Phu Quy 4 routes for Island. Approved marine routes for tourism have been tourism consulted and agreed upon by relevant government authorities. The siting of Project Areas would need to account for designated marine tourism transport routes to minimize impacts on local tourism and ensure safe distances for other sea users. Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to tourism routes. 91 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 3.24 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 11. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 11 passes through areas scoring 4. Sensitivity score 4 means high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as high avian collision and displacement sensitivity. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through mapped estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Restricted The export corridor intersects a Restricted Fishing Area for a Limited Fishing Area for Time. This might impact in the livelihoods of local communities. a Limited Time Further investigation would be needed at a project level to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. The export corridors for Development Blocks 11, 12 and 13 cross the same Restricted Area which may have a cumulative impact that should be considered. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas importance will be prioritized for tourism development. Further investigation would be from recreation needed to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. and tourism Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 92 DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 12 Figure 3.12 shows Development Block 12. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 47 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.25 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.26 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.12 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 12. 93 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 3.25 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 12. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 12 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Aviation The Development Block is approximately 100 km from Phan Rang Air Base. It needs to be understood whether offshore wind farms will impact any aviation radars. Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area scored as high sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity data, development in this area may need to be avoided. Mitigation of development impacts line with the mitigation hierarchy may be challenging and uncertain, 4 and restrictions on development would likely apply. To inform decisions on the development potential of these areas before projects are sited, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required to better understand the specific biodiversity attributes and the type of offshore wind impact(s) they could potentially be susceptible to. Social Dependence The Development Block is sited in an area where on the sea for there is a high level of dependence on fishing for the livelihood local community. Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to local communities. Marine The Development Block is sited in an area which transport intersects with marine routes for tourism to Phu Quy 4 routes for Island. Approved marine routes for tourism have been tourism consulted and agreed upon by relevant government authorities. The siting of Project Areas would need to account for designated marine tourism transport routes to minimize impacts on local tourism and ensure safe distances for other sea users. Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to tourism routes. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 94 TABLE 3.26 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 12. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Other offshore The export corridor would potentially need to avoid crossing through wind projects other offshore wind projects, if projects were sited in Development Block 9 and 11. This would not preclude development, since the export corridor can likely be moved to avoid other projects, but it should be considered during project design. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 12 passes through areas scoring 4. Sensitivity score 4 means high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as high avian collision and displacement sensitivity. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through mapped estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Restricted The export corridor intersects a Restricted Fishing Area for a Limited Fishing Area for Time. This might impact in the livelihoods of local communities. Further a Limited Time investigation would be needed at a project level to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. The export corridors for Development Blocks 11, 12 and 13 cross the same Restricted Area which may have a cumulative impact that should be considered. 95 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 13 Figure 3.13 shows Development Block 13. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 16 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.27 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.28 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.13 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 13. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 96 TABLE 3.27 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 13. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 13 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area scored as high sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity data, development in this area may need to be avoided. Mitigation of development impacts line with the mitigation hierarchy may be challenging and uncertain, 4 and restrictions on development would likely apply. To inform decisions on the development potential of these areas before projects are sited, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required to better understand the specific biodiversity attributes and the type of offshore wind impact(s) they could potentially be susceptible to. Social Dependence The Development Block is sited in an area where there is a on the sea for high level of dependence on fishing for the local community. 4 livelihood Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to local communities. TABLE 3.28 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 13. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 13 passes through areas scoring 4. Sensitivity score 4 means high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as high avian collision and displacement sensitivity. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through mapped estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Restricted The export corridor intersects a Restricted Fishing Area for a Limited Fishing Area for Time. This might impact in the livelihoods of local communities. Further a Limited Time investigation would be needed at a project level to define the impact on the livelihoods of local communities. The export corridors for Development Blocks 11, 12 and 13 cross the same Restricted Area which may have a cumulative impact that should be considered. 97 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 14 Figure 3.14 shows Development Block 14. It is suitable for fixed foundations and is approximately 46 km from the closest potential grid connection point which would make it suitable for HVAC export system technology. Table 3.29 outlines some of the initial sensitivities and constrains identified through the spatial modelling that relate to the Development Block. Table 3.30 provides an overview of the potential sensitivities associated with an export corridor from the Development Block based upon a high-level assessment of the biodiversity, social and technical data layers it intersects. FIGURE 3.14 MAP OF DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 14. Appendix C: 2030 Development Block profiles 98 TABLE 3.29 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 14. Highest Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint sensitivity score constraint Technical Shipping Development Block 14 is close to highly trafficked shipping areas to the north. Further engagement with navigational stakeholders is required to help characterize the route and to understand safety implications surrounding the area. Oil and gas The development block is approximately 5 km from the infrastructure nearest platforms and well pads. Further engagement with oil and gas stakeholders will help to understand how this might impact wind farm development. Biodiversity Birds The Development Block is sited in an area scored as high sensitivity in terms of avian collision and displacement risk on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool. Based on the available biodiversity data, development in this area may need to be avoided. Mitigation of development impacts line with the mitigation hierarchy may be challenging and uncertain, 4 and restrictions on development would likely apply. To inform decisions on the development potential of these areas before projects are sited, further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are required to better understand the specific biodiversity attributes and the type of offshore wind impact(s) they could potentially be susceptible to. Social Protected Area The Development Block is sited in an area which intersects for Fisheries with a Protected Areas for Fisheries Resources. Protected Resources Areas for Fisheries Resources are defined as habitats, reproductive areas or places where the offspring of at least one aquatic species included in the list of endangered, 4 precious and rare aquatic species, native aquatic species or transboundary aquatic species live regularly or seasonally. Further detailed social-economic investigations and related stakeholder engagement are required at the project level to define the impact to local fishing communities. 99 Viet Nam Offshore Wind Sectoral Planning TABLE 3.30 SENSITIVITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATED EXPORT CORRIDOR FOR DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 14. Value or Group Nature of sensitivity or constraint constraint Technical Shipping The export corridor would need to cross a highly trafficked shipping area. This would not preclude development but clear communication with shipping authorities and fishing associations would be needed to ensure safe installation operations. Other offshore The export corridor would potentially need to avoid crossing through wind projects other offshore wind projects, if projects were sited in Development Block 11 and 13. This would not preclude development, since the export corridor can likely be moved to avoid other projects, but it should be considered during project design. Biodiversity Habitat The export corridor for Development Block 14 passes through areas scoring 4. Sensitivity score 4 means high conservation concern and high susceptibility to impact. In this case, sensitivity is based on BirdLife’s AVISTEP tool, in which this area is scored as high avian collision and displacement sensitivity. Collision risk is not associated with export cable installation, but displacement impacts might be a consideration depending on the importance of habitats along the cable route for bird species. Beyond the sensitivity mapping area for this project, the cable route also passes through mapped estuary and nearshore habitat, which is known to be important for biodiversity in general. Further detailed biodiversity investigations and stakeholder consultation are needed at a project level to better understand the specific potential risks to biodiversity from this export corridor route. Social Protected Area The export corridor is close to a Protected Area for Fisheries Resources. for Fisheries Protected Areas for Fisheries Resources are considered to have a high Resources sensitivity since they contain coastal and inland marine ecosystems that are rapidly declining due to overexploitation. Further investigations and local level stakeholder engagement are required to understand the nature of the Protected Area and the offshore wind impacts it could be susceptible to. Economic The export corridor intersects a tourism development region. These areas importance will be prioritized for tourism development. 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Potential New York State Offshore Wind Development, The Renewables Consulting Group on behalf of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, August 2018, available online at https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/-/media/Project/Nyserda/Files/Programs/Offshore-Wind/Analysis- Potential-Turbine-Layouts-Spacing-Between-Wind-Farms.pdf References 104 FUNDED BY: Energy Sector Management Assistance Program The World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20433 USA esmap.org | esmap@worldbank.org