A solar power plant in An Giang (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The year 2020 marks a majorturning point in the energy industry of Vietnam, with clean energystrengthening its solid position and establishing itself as a profitable sectorwith significant potential for development, while coal-fired thermal power nolonger holding the position as a favoured energy source in the country.
The information was shared in the VietnamEnergy Update Report 2020 recently released by the Centre of Media and Development Initiatives(MDI) under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.
The report examines key features of thedevelopment of Vietnam’s energy sector from August 2019 to August 2020, with afocus on major power generation sources.
According to the report, clean energy -including solar and wind - is now making an increasingly important contributionto the national power system, and has become a priority in the country's energydevelopment orientation. Gas thermal power, especially imported liquefiednatural gas (LNG), is also a sector with potential, with the construction ofthe first two gas import terminals underway.
It also pointed out that at least sixprovinces across the country, including Quang Ninh - the country’s biggest coalmine, have proposed to have coal-fired power projects cancelled due to concernsabout environmental pollution. Other localities such as Bac Lieu, Long An, ThuaThien-Hue, Ha Tinh and Tien Giang plan to replace planned coal-fired power plantswith projects using imported LNG.
Vietnam has increased its nationallydetermined contribution (NDC) to join hands with the international community inefforts to reduce the impact of climate change.
Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the EuropeanClimate Foundation (ECF), former France’s Climate Change Ambassador and SpecialRepresentative for COP21, said that “over the past year, Vietnam has begun tomark itself out as a clean energy success story. Though there is some distanceto go, its shift away from coal and rapid uptake of renewables make it one ofthe leaders in Southeast Asia, and an example to other nations looking totransition”.
“And Vietnam has much to gain, not just interms of a safer climate and cleaner air, but in jobs and investment. Aroundthe world, renewables are proving to be the smarter, cheaper option and it isinspiring to see Vietnam beginning to seize the opportunity,” she stated./.
VNA
