International workshop on sustainable energy in Vietnam

Sustainable energy development in Vietnam was the focus of a seminar held in Hanoi on September 16 with the participation of domestic and international experts.
Sustainable energy development in Vietnam was the focus of a seminar held in Hanoi on September 16 with the participation of domestic and international experts.

According to Dr Ngo Duc Lam, Vietnam’s energy consumption has doubled in a decade, posing serious challenges to the nation’s energy sector.

Energy insecurity was reinforced by additional factors, including inefficient energy use and a lack of investments in the development of alternative and renewable energy sources.

Dr. Dao Trong Tu from Vietnam Energy Association (VEA) said Vietnam’s energy demand was expected to surge significantly in the next two decades, from 48 million tonnes of oil equipvalent (TOE) in 2010 to 164 million TOE in 2030.

With fossil fuels running low and a rapid increase in demand for coal, the country would need to import coal for power generation from 2015 onwards.

During the seminar, Jakob Jespersen, international coordinator of the Danish Ministry of Industry and Trade shared Denmark’s experience in energy development. The country is self-sufficient with regard to power generation thanks to its large-scale wind-power development programme and successful campaigns on energy saving and effective use.

Jakob said Vietnam could make good use of its solid waste to generate power while protecting the environment, adding that Vietnam possesses enormous potentials for the development of green energy, including wind and solar power.

Experts suggested the State come up with incentives and price policies to encourage international investment to develop these renewable energy sources.

They also mentioned the need for consumers to get involved and use energy effectively.-VNA

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