On the evening of June 12th, the German Technical Cooperation Organization (GTZ) held a presentation titled “Renewable Energy Development Opportunities in Southeast Asia.” This highlighted one of the renewable energy sources that has not been fully explored in Vietnam.
According to the Energy Institute’s report, Vietnam has only utilized 25% of its renewable energy potential, leaving 75% untapped.
Roman Ritter, an energy expert, candidly stated that Vietnam has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly in wind energy, which has yet to be harnessed effectively.
To develop various renewable energy types (solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, etc.), Mr. Roman Ritter emphasized the necessity of private sector participation.
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Model of wind turbines at the Phuong Mai 1 Wind Farm in Cat Tien Commune, Phu Cat District, Binh Dinh Province. Photo Binh Dinh Province Website. |
According to Mr. Roman Ritter, many countries in Southeast Asia and China have implemented various solutions to exploit renewable energy sources, such as building small hydropower plants in rural areas and tapping into wind energy potential.
Currently, Vietnam has achieved approximately 80% electrification nationwide, with the remaining 20% in remote and mountainous regions. However, constructing large hydropower plants and nuclear power plants to extend the electricity grid to these areas may take another decade and incur substantial costs. This does not include the expenses related to building substations in these regions, which also lead to significant transmission losses.
This issue could be addressed through alternative methods, such as constructing small hydropower plants and wind farms in areas needing electrification. During the day, farmers could sell their unused energy back to the government, and in the evening, they could utilize the energy they generated.
Thus, this model not only creates income for local communities but also provides a much-needed energy source for the government, gradually reducing the need for state subsidies and associated costs. Wind energy technology can be rapidly deployed, is user-friendly, and minimizes risks, particularly in terms of quick investment recovery. This model has already been implemented in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and China.
Experience from Germany shows that they have established wind power plants with a capacity of 5 MW at a cost of 1 million Euros. Each station typically consists of 2-3 systems, with an investment payback period of 5-7 years. Additionally, residents have seen significant profits from selling electricity back to the government, with the government purchasing electricity at 10-15 cents per kWh, while residents can sell it for 40-50 cents per kWh.
According to Mr. Roman Ritter, renewable energy can generate substantial profits if market mechanisms allow private enterprises to invest in this sector.
Following Mr. Roman Ritter’s presentation, a seminar titled “Sustainable Energy Development in Vietnam” will take place on June 14th at the Goethe Institute in Hanoi, organized by energy experts from Vietnam and Germany.
The seminar will provide solutions, experiences, and insights into developing environmentally friendly renewable energy forms that do not require fuel imports and can be sustainably utilized in Vietnam.
Ngoc Huyen
