(News Portal – Dong Nai) - Currently,
the total capacity of renewable energy sources accounts for approximately 27%
of the power system, yet the potential for further development of wind power,
solar energy, biomass energy, and others remains significant
Addressing obstacles related to mechanisms, purchasing and connection procedures is a solution to increase renewable energy sources, contributing to national energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Vo Tan Duc chaired a meeting at the Dong Nai venue to resolve challenges in renewable energy projects
Achieving 27% Capacity
In recent years, the Party and State have introduced multiple guidelines, policies, and decisions to encourage renewable energy development, leading to significant capacity growth. By the end of 2023, the total renewable energy capacity reached nearly 21.7 thousand MW, accounting for about 27% of the power system; however, the annual electricity production from renewable energy only accounts for approximately 13% of the system. This output has contributed to ensuring energy for socio-economic development and forms the foundation for Vietnam to set its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Speaking at the Online Conference on December 12 to announce and implement the Government's resolutions on removing obstacles for renewable energy projects, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted that the development of new energy sources, renewable energy, and green energy is an inevitable trend in the context of depleting fossil fuels and unpredictable climate change. Especially in the 2019-2020 period, thanks to encouraging policies, renewable energy projects grew rapidly.
However, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien also noted that as renewable energy is a new field with no precedent, limited experience, and an incomplete legal framework, implementation has faced challenges, shortcomings, and even violations. This has negatively affected policy effectiveness, the investment environment, and the rights of businesses.
According to the Government Inspectorate's Conclusion No. 1027/KL-TTCP dated April 28, 2023, nationwide there are: 14 renewable energy projects benefiting from incentive pricing mechanisms that were not eligible, 173 plants or parts of plants accepted for commercial operation dates and FIT pricing (fixed pricing) without proper approval from authorized agencies, 20 projects overlapping mineral planning areas, 40 projects violating land procedures, and 413 rooftop projects on agricultural structures with incomplete documentation.
In Dong Nai, according to Chairman Vo Tan Duc, while the province has no renewable energy projects listed in the Government Inspectorate's conclusions, many businesses in industrial parks have been unable to install rooftop solar systems due to complex procedures. This has made it difficult for businesses to obtain green certificates for exporting goods and has increased the province's electricity shortage risks. Additionally, solar and waste-to-energy projects included in Power Plan VIII have yet to be implemented.
Rooftop solar energy
systems on industrial park factories in Dong Nai
Continued Encouragement for Renewable Energy Investment
Currently, many provinces still have renewable energy projects that have been invested in but are not yet connected to the national grid or have not signed power purchase agreements, leading to wasted investment resources. Renewable energy cannot be utilized for production and consumption, while the electricity supply remains unstable.
To address this reality, the Government issued a resolution outlining the direction and approach to resolving challenges for renewable energy projects. The resolution provides principles, solutions, and general guidelines to remove obstacles, including planning amendments, procedures related to land, construction acceptance, and FIT pricing to minimize social resource wastage.
At the aforementioned online conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that a significant amount of resources have been invested in renewable energy projects, and failing to operate them would be a waste. Efforts must be made to resolve all difficulties and obstacles for renewable energy projects by January 31, 2025, with a spirit of balanced benefits, shared risks, and zero tolerance for corruption, misconduct, or legalizing violations.
Under Power Plan VIII, the Government aims to increase renewable energy's share from the current 13% to 29% by 2030 and 44% by 2045. Resolving challenges for existing projects and promptly issuing circulars and decrees to implement the revised Electricity Law, effective February 1, 2025, are critical measures to achieve this goal and fulfill Vietnam's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, Thai Thanh Phong, stated that Dong Nai has significant potential for renewable energy development. For rooftop solar, the province has the highest annual sunshine hours in the region, along with an extensive network of factory rooftops in industrial parks, creating a strong demand for on-site installations. Under Power Plan VIII, the province has been allocated the highest renewable energy capacity target nationwide. In terms of hydropower, the province has the potential to expand four additional projects. Waste-to-energy and biomass energy also have certain advantages.
Based on this potential, the Department of Industry and Trade will propose mechanisms to encourage the development of renewable energy, green, and clean energy in Dong Nai. Key directions include promoting rooftop solar power development aligned with the grid's absorption capacity and power evacuation capability; encouraging biomass and waste-to-energy projects to achieve energy and environmental goals; maximizing hydropower potential while ensuring environmental protection, forest preservation, and water security. Additionally, the province will drive the use of renewable energy forms, including biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia.