A ‘Roadmap to Offshore Wind Power’ developed by the Danish Energy Agency and World Bank for the government of Vietnam suggests that 10-GW of capacity could be in place by 2030
The plan outlines a pathway for the power sector in the country in the next decade and provides a long-term vision to 2045.
With a ‘massive’ offshore wind technical potential of 160 GW between 5 km to 100 km offshore, the roadmap confirmed that Vietnam has ‘favourable conditions’ to create an offshore wind industry. Political will is the key, said the authors of the roadmap. With sufficient support, Vietnam could create a forward-looking industry that can supply huge amounts of green electricity at attractive prices while creating jobs and attracting investment.
Ministry of Industry & Trade director general of electricity and renewable energy Hoang Tien Dung said, “The government of Vietnam is committed to the development of a sustainable energy sector. Timing is critical, with our national Power Development Plan 8 in preparation.”
The energy agency and World Bank Group have made a number of recommendations, including the development of “clear, long-term and progressive capacity deployment targets,” which, they said, are essential to co-ordinate policy and give the industry confidence to make long-term investments in infrastructure, supply chains and technology.
The authors of the report also highlighted the need for a sound legal framework and financeable power purchase agreements in line with international practices, to offset new market risks and help secure capital investment.
The roadmap also recommends that a Vietnam agency act as a single point of contact to streamline permitting and consent processes for offshore wind, thus ensuring timely delivery of projects, and said large-scale demonstration projects should be commissioned in phases to kick-start the sector.
Danish Energy Agency director Anton Beck said, “Offshore wind is the most potent renewable energy technology for Vietnam, with a single 8-MW turbine able to provide annual electricity consumption equivalent to more than 43,000 Vietnamese households.”
World Bank programme leader for infrastructure and energy Rahul Kitchlu said, “Our studies show important economic benefits from deploying up to 10 GW of offshore wind by 2030. It is important to take this into consideration in the development of National Power Development Plan 8.”
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