Vietnam set to become Southeast Asia renewable energy leader: conference
With its abundant resources and soaring demand for clean energy, Vietnam is poised to become a regional leader in renewable energy, heard a recent conference organised by Forbes Vietnam.
Ha Dang Son, Deputy Director of Vietnam Low Emission Energy Programme II (V-LEEP II), highlighted the country’s attractive prospects for local and foreign investors in renewables.
“Vietnam’s vast renewable resources, growing energy demand and supportive governmental policies are major contributing factors.”
Its ample solar resources offer favourable conditions for investors as do its extensive coastline and favourable wind conditions, he said.
Its well-established agricultural sector generates substantial biomass waste, which can be utilised for energy generation, Son said.
The Government approved in May a power development master plan that prioritises renewable energy, he said.
The plan includes an ambitious target to generate 20% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Experts pointed out the country requires US$135 billion for power plant and transmission grid development by 2030, and over US$500 billion by 2050.
They highlighted the need for foreign investment, green credit and domestic private capital to achieve the transformation towards a sustainable energy model.
They also spoke about the major challenges faced by investors such as uncertainty and inconsistency in the Government’s renewable energy policies and regulations.
Trinh Quoc Vu, CEO of a HCM City-based renewable energy company, said the shortage of infrastructure to accommodate the rising renewable energy capacity is another obstacle.
Dang Quoc Toan, Chairman and General Director of the Asia Petroleum Energy Corporation, said the lack of transparency in the bidding for renewable energy projects is also a critical issue.
Financing remains a challenge despite the decreasing costs of renewable energy technologies, he added.
The complex and time-consuming land acquisition process in Vietnam is another hurdle for investors in renewable energy projects.
The shortage of skilled professionals and limited domestic manufacturing capabilities escalate project costs and timelines in Vietnam since developing large-scale renewable energy projects requires skilled labour and robust supply chain networks.
Supa Waisayarat, Vietnam country manager for Thailand’s Super Energy Corporation, said investors should stay updated on government policies, regulations and incentives related to renewable energy in Vietnam.