Hanoi (VNA) – In the context of rapidly growing power demand,it is necessary to revise the planning and development of renewable energy,otherwise renewable energy sources may not be able to meet demand, heard aworkshop in Hanoi on October 5. 

Vietnam is step by step increasing the ratio of renewable energy in thenational power output in order to ensure energy security, mitigate climatechange and achieve sustainable development, said Deputy Minister of Industryand Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong.

The DeputyMinister said existing hydropower plants contribute to ensuring energy security,as they accounted for over 40 percent of total national electricity generation capacityand electricity output in the first eight months of 2017.

In some localities such as Hoa Binh, Son La, LaiChau, Nghe An, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak and Lam Dong, such plants have madesignificant contributions to the local budget, he added.

Along with developing hydropower and technicalinfrastructure, the local living standards and production have been improved.  The totalhydropower installation capacity is projected to reach 21,600 MW in 2020 andincrease to 24,600 MW in 2025 and 27,800 MW in 2030. 

However, the quality and operation ofhydropower plants has posed many problems causing public concern, the DeputyMinister said, attributing the causes to a lack of experts and due attention onthe part of relevant agencies in localities and low capacity of investors andcontractors.

Participants at the workshop shared experiencein developing small and medium hydropower in localities and discussed measuresto develop renewable en💜ergy in a safe, efficient, and sﷺustainable fashion inthe coming time.

Improvingproduction efficiency and energy usage via establishing a policy framework anddiversifying supply sources are drawing attention from managers and experts, DeputyMinister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung said, adding that the keyissue is to master the technology and gradually localise technology and equipmentto avoid dependence on imports.

The Ministry of Science and Technology hasimplemented a number of mechanisms, policies and programmes to encourage andsupport energy research and development, including the strategy to developscience and technology through 2020, Tung noted.

It also studies the application of new energyand renewable one in addition to seeking scientific and technological solutionsto energy saving and increasing efficiency in energy production, transmissionand consumption.

Tung suggested devising proper policies toencourage domestic manufacturers to develop small and medium hydropowerequipment and limit imports.

Regarding wind power, the country aims to achievetotal installation capacity of 800 MW by 2020 (at present 180 MW) which will i♎ncreaseto 2,000 MW by 2025 and 6,000 MW by 2030.-VNA