PHNOM PENH: The Vietnamese government is implementing decisive policies to accelerate onshore wind energy deployment to ramp up the renewable fuel supply as it embraces more green energy.
The South-East Asian nation’s transition to renewable energy is critical. It needs to meet the growing electricity demand to propel its industries and reduce dependence on coal and gas imports.
At the same time, it is seeking to mitigate coal power plant pollution, protect urban air quality, and move towards a low-carbon economy that supports nearly 100 million people.
Electricity demand is soaring. Vietnam’s electricity consumption exceeded one billion kilowatt-hour in May due to soaring temperatures, according to local media, and this has alarmed authorities.
To address the rising demand for power, Vietnam’s National Power Development Plan 2021-2030 has outlined the development of onshore, nearshore and offshore wind power and solar power, especially water surface solar power, as key to bolstering its energy security.
"Vietnam should therefore consider offshore wind-hydrogen integration as a strategic solution for ensuring energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr Du Van Toan from the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, Environment, and Marine Sciences, as reported by Vietnamplus on Sunday (May 31).
Wind energy has emerged as a strategic pillar in the transition agenda, supported by fuels such as green hydrogen.
Renewable energy currently accounts for roughly 26 per cent of Vietnam’s power mix, but authorities are anticipating a sharp increase to 36 per cent by 2030 as part of the country’s green transformation agenda.
The World Bank's report "Next Steps for Advancing Vietnam’s Offshore Wind Journey,” released last year, said Vietnam has a significant offshore wind resource located close to its shores, with potential for wind energy due to its long coastline and favourable wind conditions.
Located at the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam boasts a 3,260 kilometres coastline along the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand with strong monsoon winds that are favourable for driving the sector.
"Offshore wind presents a strategic opportunity for Vietnam to diversify its power mix, strengthen energy security, and support sustainable growth,” World Bank Division Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao Mariam J. Sherman said during the publication of the report last year.
Vietnam is targeting to generate 6,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power by 2030, 15,000 MW by 2035, and 139,000 MW by 2050.
This will amount to 20 to 25 per cent of the country’s total installed power capacity, reported Vietnamplus. - Bernama
