Synchronous solutions in energy conversion

Mr. Hoang Tien Dung

How do you assess the demand for energy, especially electricity in Vietnam today?

Vietnam is a dynamic economy with a high growth rate for many consecutive years. Therefore, the demand for energy, especially electricity, is increasing day by day. According to statistics, in the 2011-2020 period, Vietnam's commercial electricity has achieved an average growth rate of 9.6% per year.

It is expected that in the 2021-2030 period, the average growth of commercial electricity will reach 8.52% in the base scenario and 9.36% in the high scenario.

By the end of 2021, Vietnam's electricity system capacity has reached about 76,620 MW. In which, hydropower reached 22,111 MW; coal-fired power is 25,397 MW; gas thermal power is 7,398 MW; renewable energy capacity is about 21,100 MW.

Vietnam's electricity system has the largest scale in Southeast Asia, enough to meet the electricity demand for socio-economic development.

How have the results of Vietnam's energy transition towards achieving the goals of green, sustainable economic development and adaptation to climate change been, Sir?

The Vietnamese Government has been promoting the transformation of the energy industry in the spirit of promoting internal resources, while enhancing cooperation and support from development partners. In particular, Vietnam has gradually reduced electricity sources using fossil fuels, prioritizing the development of renewable energy, new and clean energy.

Vietnam has achieved certain results in increasing the proportion of renewable power sources in the power structure, and has plans to develop power sources with fewer emissions and convert fuels in the future.

Specifically, by the end of 2021, the total installed capacity of wind and solar power sources will reach 20,670 MW, accounting for nearly 27% of the total installed capacity of the whole system. The electricity output from this power source has reached 31.5 billion kWh, accounting for 12.27% of the total electricity production of the whole system.

Vietnam has introduced many mechanisms and policies to achieve the goal of a sustainable energy transition in line with strategic orientations under Resolution 55-NQ/TW of the Politburo on orientations of Vietnam's national energy development Strategy to 2030, vision to 2045, as well as the Government's commitments to net zero emissions by 2050.

After the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision 2157/QD-TTg on December 21, 2021 establishing a National Steering Committee to implement Vietnam's commitments at COP26, in which, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is the Head of the Steering Committee.

From the perspective of a State management agency, would you like to share solutions being implementing by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote a more efficient energy transition?

As a management agency for the energy industry, over the years, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has advised on the development of mechanisms and policies on energy and electricity development, submitted to the Prime Minister for review and issuance, and directing corporations and enterprises operating in the energy field to ensure energy in general and electricity in particular to serve the country's socio-economic development.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has also developed and implemented many programs and plans; promoted the application of advanced science and technology in order to improve the efficiency of energy use; protect natural resources and environment; promote international cooperation through bilateral and multilateral meetings to promote the energy transition in Vietnam.

In particular, in the draft National Electricity Development Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2045 (Power Plan VIII), the Ministry of Industry and Trade has researched and developed Vietnam's electricity system in a green and sustainable direction, consistent with the commitments made at COP26.

Specifically, it is necessary to maximize and rationally exploit domestic primary energy resources for electricity production such as natural gas and renewable energy; minimize coal-fired power plants with the goal of minimizing CO2 emissions; not develop new coal-fired power plants after 2030; consider converting some power sources under the plan which transfers the coal use to liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Coal and gas thermal power plants will gradually switch to biomass, ammonia or hydrogen when the technologies are proven and commercialized; step up the development of wind and solar power sources; give priority to the development of renewable energy power projects that directly supply electricity to industrial and residential production facilities (prioritize the production of hydrogen, green ammonia, chemicals), types of power stored hydroelectricity, hydroelectricity on irrigation reservoirs, biomass electricity, solid waste electricity and other renewable energy; promote the program of energy saving and efficiency.

Vietnam is taking the first steps in the transition from traditional energy to green, cleaner renewable energy. This is also an inevitable trend to ensure a sustainable economy. However, the energy transition in Vietnam will require a comprehensive approach with the participation of all economic sectors in society, along with many synchronous solutions.

Thank Sir!