Offshore wind could supply green electricity to 5.5 million Vietnamese households by 2030

24 September 2020

Vietnam's Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority (EREA) has formed a partnership with the Danish Energy Agency (DEA), and as a part of that cooperation, Danish engineering firm Cowi has prepared an instructive offshore wind roapmap for the Southeast Asian country, EnergyWatch.eu reports.

The potential is enormous, Cowi's report documents. For comparison, Denmark – even with its well-established supply and value chains as well as plans for colossal energy islands – will still fall short of Vietnam's offshore wind volume by as soon as 2030, according to Cowi's most optimistic scenario.

Recommendations presented this week

Vietnamese politicians, authorities and Vietnamese offshore wind industry players participated in a virtual conference on 22 and 23 of September, where the DEA together with the World Bank presented their recommendations for offshore wind expansion in Vietnam.

A screening made in the Danish-Vietnamese government cooperation last year showed a total potential of as much as 160 GW of offshore wind capacity in Vietnam, which could provide electricity to no less than 860 million homes, according to a DEA LinkedIn post (in Danish)

At the conference, the DEA presented three scenarios for the expansion of offshore wind. The most ambitious scenario indicates that Vietnam can achieve 10 GW of operational offshore wind already in 2030, enough to power almost 5.5 million households. In comparison, Denmark today has a total of 1.7 GW of offshore wind installed and expects approx. 9 GW in 2030.

Such an expansion would significantly change the climate footprint of the Vietnamese electricity sector, which today primarily is supported by coal power.

Eager to get started

“Offshore wind turbines are the most potent technology for renewable energy, with just one 8 megawatt wind turbine having the capacity to produce electricity annually corresponding to the electricity consumption of 43,000 Vietnamese households. We are pleased to share our experiences with offshore wind turbines with our close Vietnamese partners. Getting the press 'start' has been going on for a while and our Vietnamese partners are both eager to get started, but also to do it the right way," said Anton Beck, Office Manager for the Centre for Global Consulting at the DEA.

H.E. Mr. Kim Højlund Christensen, Ambassador of Denmark in Vietnam said:

“As Vietnam is keen on moving towards a green transition of its energy sector, offshore wind power will definitely be one of the most cost effective options as proven in many countries, including Denmark. A developed offshore wind industry will not only provide a new source of clean energy and contribute to climate change mitigation but also create a significant number of new jobs for the local people while creating a new maritime economy and attracting significant new investments. The final decision of course fully rests with the government of Vietnam, but Denmark, being a long-term and close partner with Vietnam in the energy sector, is always willing to share knowledge, experience and best practices from our 30 year offshore wind development, as we did at this conference."

Huge potential for green power

With a massive estimated potential of 160 GW offshore wind power within the distance to shore from 5 km to 100 km, Vietnam has favourable conditions to create an offshore wind industry. Long coastline, ample wind resources and political will are key parameters to creating a green and forward-looking industry that can supply huge amounts of green electricity at attractive prices while creating new jobs and attracting investments.

"The government of Vietnam is always committed to the development of a sustainable energy sector and the timing now is very critical with our national Power Development Plan 8 preparation by the Ministry of Trade and Industry being underway. We, therefore, highly appreciate advice and recommendations from Denmark and the World Bank, our long term partners who have possessed many years of experience and knowledge in renewable energy ahead of us", said Mr. Hoang Tien Dung, Director General of Electricity and Renewable Energy Agency, Ministry of Industry and Trade.

-Related solution: NENUPHAR. Floating Offshore Wind Power

Background information:

In 2013, Vietnam and Denmark entered a long-term cooperation agreement with the purpose of promoting a transition in Vietnam to a low-carbon economy. It is financed by the Danish government and administered by the Danish Energy Agency.
The Danish Energy Agency’s Centre for Global Cooperation partners with 16 other countries, which in total account for more than 60% of the global CO₂ emissions. The aim is to share Danish experiences on shaping an energy system that combines a green, low-carbon and reliable energy supply with economic growth.

Sources:

Danish Energy Agency (in Danish)

Input to Roadmap for Offshore Wind Power Development in Vietnam