Jointly organised by the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam and the Embassy of Norway in Vietnam, the event saw the participation of experts, scientists from relevant ministries, representatives from localities and foreign partners, including wind power companies.

VNMHA Deputy Director Hoang Duc Cuong stressed that transitioning to clean and renewable energy is essential to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He said the Vietnamese Government has set a target for renewable energy to account for at least 33% of the total electricity output by 2030.

Cuong revealed that studies to assess Vietnam's wind energy potential have been carried out through various projects and research initiatives, with the participation of several international partners.

He showed his hope that investors and managers of wind power companies will use the report for planning, investment, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects in general, and wind power in particular.

Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Vietnam, stated that the report provides the most detailed offshore wind atlas to date, featuring high-resolution data and long-term simulations covering up to 30 years.

This is a practical tool to support marine spatial planning, wind power development, and investment attraction, especially as Vietnam has recently approved its marine spatial planning scheme, coastal master planning scheme, and the adjusted National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030 (PDP VIII).

Deputy Ambassador of Norway to Vietnam Mette Moglestue highlighted the significance of the report, stressing that it provides technical information that will assist policymakers in developing appropriate wind power policies.

She emphasised the need for close cooperation among state agencies in data sharing, marine spatial planning, and offshore wind power development in Vietnam.

The report focuses on providing and sharing general information on offshore wind energy development in the world and in Vietnam. Additionally, it also provides information on topography, geomorphology, marine meteorological hazards, and oceanographic conditions in the East Sea and along coastal areas of Vietnam, which are critical factors for the design and construction of offshore wind power projects.

At the event, domestic experts, policymakers, and local and international partners discussed and shared insights on issues related to renewable energy, with a particular focus on Vietnam's offshore wind energy potential.

Unlocking potential of offshore wind energy through marine spatial planning

VOV.VN - The Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, organized a workshop entitled "Vietnam's Marine Spatial Planning and Offshore Wind Energy" on April 20.