Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the South East Asia in recent years. This growth can be attributed to global economic integration and reforms, a growing population and an increasing middle class.
Besides its enormous wind potential thanks to the nearly 3,400 km of coastline, Vietnam also has significant potential for solar energy with average radiation of 4.3 - 5.7 million kWh / m² according to research by the Institute of Energy (Ministry of Industry and Trade). Total hours of sunshine in the South Central area and Central Highlands are 2,000-2,600 hours, and 2,200-2,500 hours in the South, with average solar radiation intensity of 4.9-5.7 kWh /m²/day. This is a clean abundant natural resource to convert into electricity and can help fulfil the Master Power Development Plan VII's target to develop about 850 MW of solar power by 2020, 4.000 MW by 2025 and 12.000 MW by 2030.
Supporting a new wave in solar energy
Vietnam is facing a significant challenge to meet growing electricity demand with minimal environmental impact. As a competitive source of energy, solar is a key contributor to solving this challenge - especially as electricity costs rise and solar systems become increasingly economically viable. With the Government's recent policy supporting development of the solar energy, the solar market has become vibrant.
Titled "Solar Energy Technology Solutions for Green Growth", the conference co-hosted by ABB and Solar Electric Viet Nam aimed to accelerate green and sustainable growth in Vietnam through the application of solar energy solutions. The event discussed hot topics and shared international best practices with speakers from Vietnam Clean Energy Association; Embassy of Australia, GIZ, and UNDP. The event received representatives from local and international organizations, investors and developers of solar energy projects, design and consulting companies, and experts in the field of renewable energy.
"Deployment of the country's solar energy potential will not only bring economic benefits, decouple economic growth from the environment impacts but also help the country to fulfill the objective of green growth strategy as well as international commitments on reducing emissions and response to climate change." Said Brian Hull, Country Managing Director of ABB in Vietnam. "With a proven track record in the solar industry since the 1990s, expertise from solar systems to grid connection and integration to smart grids and microgrids both globally and in South East Asia in particular, we are here to help drive Vietnam's long term success in solar power."
ABB offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of products, systems, solutions and services to optimize the performance, reliability and return on investment of any solar installation - from residential rooftops to commercial and industrial applications and utility-grade power plants. The Company is committed to sustainable development for society. According to ABB's sustainability report 2016, the Company's global operations have helped to reduce 9% of energy use since 2013 and reduced 7% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2016.
