Vietnam renewable energy week opens

The event, co-hosted by the Steering Committee for the Southwestern Region, the Vietnam Sustainable Energy Alliance, and the Green Innovation and Development Centre (GIDC), featured an energy model exhibition, film screenings, two seminars on renewable energy development strategy for the Mekong Delta and practical initiatives for renewable energy. 

Participating experts and scientists at home and abroad were updated on the development of the renewable energy industry and interacted with policymakers, businesspeople and activists from social organisations in the field. 

Speaking at the event, member of the Steering Committee for the Southwestern Region Tran Huu Hiep said under the development goal until 2030 with orientations to 2050, the Mekong Delta is expected to become a centre for agro-fishery processing, electricity, support industry for agriculture, eco-tourism and services. 

To that end, the region should not rely on only fossil fuel but have to seek new and green energy sources. 

According to Hiep, the Mekong Delta holds the greatest potential of biomass energy thanks to its abundant amount of agricultural by-products, including straw, bran, risk husk and cattle droppings. 

More than 20 million tonnes of straw are being wasted each year since over 70% of them are burnt. 

In 2013, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued a decision approving a master plan for biomass power development for the Mekong Delta until 2030 when 300MW of electricity will be generated from straw, sugar cane bagasse and husk. 

GIDC Director Nguy Thi Khanh suggested more incentives be provided for investment in renewable energy while the construction on new thermoelectric coal and nuclear power plants be stopped.