Energy is a vital factor for Vietnam's development. However, over-reliance on traditional energy sources has caused many serious consequences for the environment. To overcome this situation, Vietnam is promoting the development of sustainable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, ocean current energy... So what is sustainable energy and how is it regulated in our country? Together GREEN IN Find out more in the content below!
1. What is sustainable energy?
Sustainable energy is the type of energy that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This means that the rate of energy consumption must be balanced with the renewable capacity of the source, while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. To achieve this goal, we need to rely on the principle of sustainable development, harmoniously combining ecological, economic, political and cultural factors.
In the past, fossil fuels, nuclear power and hydropower were the main sources of energy for humans. However, the exploitation and overuse of non-renewable energy sources have had serious impacts on the environment, typically ozone layer depletion, ecosystem destruction and climate change. About 80% of global CO2 emissions today come from traditional energy production and consumption, causing unpredictable consequences for the environment and human health.
Clean energy produced from renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, biofuels, etc. is expected to solve the problem of sustainable energy and global energy security. However, production costs and some current technological limitations are still barriers that need to be overcome to bring these energy sources into widespread application.
Meanwhile, the production and consumption of energy from traditional fossil sources remains the main cause of climate change. According to statistics, up to 35% of global greenhouse gases are generated from these activities, of which electricity and heat production account for the highest proportion. In developing countries, the use of traditional stoves and biomass burning not only pollutes the air but also threatens the health of millions of people every year.
To tackle climate change and ensure a sustainable future, transitioning to clean energy is an urgent requirement. In addition to investing in research and development of new energy technologies, raising public awareness of the importance of clean energy is also important.
2. Sustainable energy policy in Vietnam
With the goal of transitioning to a green economy and minimizing the impact of climate change, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has actively implemented policies to support the development of renewable energy.
2.1. Fixed price policy for wind power projects
Vietnam has implemented a fixed price policy to encourage investment in wind power projects. Specifically, Decisions No. 37/2011/QD-TTg and 39/2018/QD-TTg have established a clear legal framework, ensuring that investors enjoy stable electricity purchase prices for a certain period of time when investing in wind power projects.
Since the wind power incentive policy expired on November 1, 11, Vietnam's wind power industry has faced a difficult period. The absence of a new support policy for more than three years has discouraged investors, leading to a delay in the implementation of wind power projects. This is regrettable, because the potential for wind power development in our country is huge. Making good use of this sustainable energy source will contribute significantly to the goal of protecting the environment and ensuring national energy security.
2.2. Import and export policy
Vietnam is actively diversifying its electricity supply by both importing electricity from neighboring countries and boosting the export of renewable energy. Specifically, the country is importing electricity from hydropower plants in Laos and China, and has the idea of exporting offshore wind power to Singapore.
In particular, electricity imports from Laos also reflect the success of hydropower investment projects implemented by Vietnamese companies in the southern Laos region. However, energy cooperation among countries in the region does not stop at electricity import and export but needs to be expanded to many other areas such as policy making, technology sharing and development of renewable energy projects, to ensure the sustainable and efficient development of the common energy system.
2.3. Energy development policy
In the face of climate change and increasing energy demand, Vietnam has issued Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW to guide the national energy development strategy. Accordingly, our country will prioritize the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower, and proactively integrate renewable energy sources into the national power system, contributing to ensuring energy security and minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
3. Impact of sustainable energy on Vietnamese businesses
Growing concern about global climate change has spurred a shift to sustainable energy. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the main cause of global warming, is the biggest driver for countries and businesses to invest in cleaner, more efficient energy sources.
3.1. Abundant sustainable energy sources
Global energy consumption is growing at a rapid pace, expected to increase by 53% by 2035. Combined with the overexploitation of conventional energy sources, this consumption rate has posed serious energy and environmental challenges. Burning fossil fuels not only depletes resources but also emits large amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
Vietnam has abundant renewable energy potential. Rural areas, with their bioenergy, small hydropower, solar and wind resources, are a treasure trove of clean energy. It is estimated that Vietnam can produce about 10 billion m3 of biogas per year from agricultural activities, with a small hydropower potential of up to 4.000 MW, and an average solar radiation of 5kWh/m2 per day (for the South) and 3.5kWh/m2 per day (for the North). The 3.400 km coastline also offers a huge wind energy potential of about 500-1000 kWh/m2 per year.
Effective exploitation of renewable energy sources not only helps ensure national energy security but also contributes to minimizing the negative impacts of climate change, improving the quality of the living environment and promoting socio-economic development, especially in rural areas.
3.2. Challenges
Besides the increasing demand for energy and the great potential of renewable energy sources, businesses investing in this field in Vietnam are facing many difficulties and challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of specific policies and support mechanisms from the State. Although the potential of renewable energy is huge, there are still many barriers to building and implementing projects. Enterprises, especially domestic private enterprises, lack the experience, capital and support needed to participate in this market.
In addition, the connection between businesses, research organizations and state management agencies is still limited. This barrier leads to a lack of synchronization in the implementation of renewable energy projects, causing waste of resources and slowing down the energy transition process.
Another issue that needs attention is the limited awareness of people about energy saving and renewable energy use. Changing people's consumption behavior is a long-term process and requires large investments in communication and education.
To overcome the above difficulties, there needs to be close coordination between ministries, sectors, local authorities and enterprises. Building a favorable investment environment, providing preferential policies on finance, tax and land will be the driving force to attract investors to the renewable energy sector. In addition, strengthening international cooperation, technology transfer and human resource training are also important solutions.
Conclusion
Sustainable energy is not only a solution to environmental problems but also a powerful driver of the global labor market. Currently, the sector has created 13,7 million jobs, of which solar energy plays an important role with 4,9 million workers. This figure shows the industry's great potential for growth, opening up many new and diverse job opportunities for workers around the world.