National energy plan: Prioritizing the development of renewable energy

​(CTT-Dong Nai) - The Government just approved the National Energy Master Plan for the period of 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. Notably in this plan is the proportion of renewable energy, which will account for 80-85% by 2050.

The switch to renewable energy is a solution for Vietnam to fulfill its international commitments on environment and climate, ensuring energy security for sustainable development. 

Tri An Hydropower plant is expanding its capacity 

Increasing renewable energy's proportion

The national energy master plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, is to firmly ensure national energy security, meet the requirements of socio-economic development and protect the ecological environment.
One of the highlights of the plan is the shift from fossil energy (coal, crude oil, gas) to renewable energy (wind, solar, small hydroelectricity, waste). Specifically, the master plan sets a target that the proportion of renewable energy in the energy structure will increase from 15-20% in 2030 to about 80-85% in 2050. In 2030, it is planned to form and develop a number of clean energy centers in the North, South Central, and South regions. By 2050, Vietnam will become the center of clean energy industry and exporter of renewable energy in the region; all advantageous localities will have renewable energy centers.

There are many solutions proposed, including strongly developing offshore wind power in combination with other types of renewable energy such as solar power, onshore wind power; developing biomass and solar energy in concentrated agricultural and industrial production areas; developing of biofuels for traffic and electricity generation.
Prior to this plan, in May 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed and promulgated the National Electricity Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (Power Plan VIII) prioritizing the development of renewable energy.
Accordingly, the Power Master Plan VIII sets a target that the rate of renewable electricity will reach about 31-39% in 2030 and 67.5-71.5% in 2050. A series of solutions have been proposed, including the installation of solar power panels on the roofs of buildings to serve local needs. Investing in the development of the power grid to meet the renewable energy transmission and consumption, and making the most of raw materials for electricity production, such as waste, biomass (wood mulch, pulp, etc.).
Thus, both plans related to the energy sector signed by the Government in May and July 2023 give priority to the development of renewable energy. This shows Vietnam's determination and strategy in implementing international commitments on: Reducing net emissions to zero by 2050, reducing global methane emissions, converting coal power to clean energy …; ensure stable energy sources for socio-economic development. 

Dong Nai's advantages in producing renewable energy from waste

Many projects have been implementing
The conversion of fossil energy to renewable energy, especially the development of wind electricity, solar electricity, and waste electricity, helps to make the most of inexhaustible resources, reduces adverse impacts on the environment and climate, as well as is a solution to cope with abnormal changes of weather such as: drought, El nino phenomenon; resource depletion: coal, gas and reduced the dependence on imported fuel that can affect electricity production.

Following the orientation of the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dong Nai has been deploying a number of renewable energy projects in service of industrial development, high-tech agriculture and daily life.

Mr. Thai Thanh Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said that in the Provincial Power Plan VIII there are 3 projects, including 2 solar projects on Tri An lake and 1 waste power project. In addition, projects approved by the Government but not yet implemented will be continued. In the coming time, on the basis of the "package" of renewable energy capacity allocated in the Power Plan VIII, the Department of Industry and Trade will appraise the project documents, submit them to the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and propose the Prime Minister for permission to deploy the project.

Sharing about renewable energy from waste, Deputy Director Tran Trong Toan of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment said that on average, the province generates about 2.1 thousand tons of domestic solid waste every day and nearly 1.9 thousand tons of industrial waste. To take advantage of resources, the Department advises the People's Committee to plan 4 projects of burning waste to generate electricity. Specifically, converting to waste incineration technology to generate electricity in 4 existing waste treatment zones: Tuc Trung, Bau Can, Quang Trung, Vinh Tan with a total waste volume of 2,450 tons per day in the period up to 2025, capable of generating about 61MW and by 2030 is 3,050 tons/day, corresponding to a generating capacity of about 76MW.

In addition to the projects that have been included in the planning, Dong Nai has many businesses that are in need of solar panels installation on their rooftops to lower electricity costs, increase competitiveness and meet the "green" criteria of business partners.

Mr. Phan Tan Hoc, Technical Director of TKG Taekwang Vina Joint Stock Company (Bien Hoa City) said that the company is installing a solar power system with a capacity of 9.3 thousand kWp (peak capacity) at 4 factories in Dong Nai. The company wants support from authorized agencies and receives specific instructions to quickly complete the installation and put this power system into use. This is also a Taekwang Vina’s activity to accompany and bond with the Government and the electricity industry. ​​