A US-Vietnam clean energy conference was held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 14 to discuss smart energy solutions for the Southeast Asian country, drawing some 150 experts, officials, and entrepreneurs from the two nations.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong said as a responsible member of the international community, Vietnam has continually exerted efforts to contribute to global stable development and sought smart solutions to develop clean energy as part of its ongoing national green growth strategy.

Vietnam holds enormous potential in renewable energy sources, participants said, revealing that the 3,400km coastline provides an average wind energy output of 500-1,000 kWh per square metre.

The abundant solar radiation of 5 kWh per square metre every day nationwide is also a promising source.

Delegates said Vietnam can develop renewable energy by utilising water, wind, solar, and nuclear power, as well as waste.

Commercial Attaché Patrick Wall at the US Consulate General in HCM City said the two countries have extensively cooperated in clean and renewable energy over past years to meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy in Vietnam.

At the function, US experts also mulled over financial assistance to the development of clean energy in Vietnam.

The conference was organised by the US Consulate General and the Dau tu (Vietnam Investment Review) newspaper of the Ministry of Planning and Investment.-VNA