Province pulls plug on solar power projects to protect relics site

The central province's people's committee on Thursday instructed the Department of Industry and Trade to report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade about the cancelation of the projects in An Khe Lagoon.

It also instructed relevant authorities to seek special national site status for the Sa Huynh cultural site from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

An Khe Lagoon is along the coast of Sa Huynh in Duc Pho Town.

In 2017 the System Technologies Development Company decided to build the two solar power plants at a cost of VND2 trillion (US$80.5 million) in the area.

The province green-lighted them, saying they would bring economic benefits and dovetail with the push for renewable energy.

Subsequently scientists opposed the construction of the plants in the lagoon, saying it is the core of the Sa Huynh culture dating back 2,000-3,000 years, one of Vietnam's three ancient cultures, the others being Dong Son and Oc Eo.