Unlocking potential of offshore wind energy through marine spatial planning

At the workshop, international experiences were shared, and next steps for marine spatial planning (MSP) and offshore wind power development in Vietnam were discussed. Experts from Norway and UK, among others, shared valuable insights and recommendations on sustainable ocean planning, zoning, offshore wind energy, and assessment of and qualification criteria for sea areas for offshore wind.

The workshop highlighted the crucial role of MSP, which will identify feasible sites for offshore wind energy projects, in the growth of the blue economy by catalyzing innovative technologies, responding to climate change impacts and fostering the energy transition.  

Vietnam is at a relatively early stage in the process of formulating both its coastal zone planning and sustainable management of resources document, and its MSP document.

According to Dr. Ta Dinh Thi, Deputy Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, “Developing renewable energy is a major policy for the Party, the National Assembly, and the Government of Vietnam, for whom offshore wind power is identified as one of the breakthrough solutions for energy transformation and national energy security. It is also closely related to marine spatial planning, especially for identifying potential marine areas and suitable zoning for offshore wind power development."

"The National Assembly has also recently issued Resolution No. 582/NQ-UBTVQH15 dated August 29, 2022, of the National Assembly Standing Committee on the establishment of a thematic monitoring team for the implementation of policies and laws on energy development for 2016-2021, as well as Plan No. 355/KH-Monitoring Delegation dated October 28, 2022, on thematic monitoring,” he said.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, highlighted that "The  marine spatial planning is essential for unlocking the tremendous potential of offshore wind power development for Vietnam, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and climate change commitments made at COP26, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050."

"Marine spatial planning should be seen as a continuous process rather than a single fixed product. As such, we must not seek to develop a single, perfect and all-encompassing document at this stage," she added.

"It is essential that the development and approval of the Marine Spatial Plan, as well as the definition of the sites for offshore wind power development, is done in an open, consultative and inclusive process. Engagement of all stakeholders, especially local communities will be important, to ensure equitable sharing of benefits and the protection of vulnerable groups."

The flagship publication "Blue Economy Scenarios for Vietnam," a comprehensive report released by UNDP and the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in May 2022, examines the potential behind sustainably developing Viet Nam’s marine economy.

It concluded that if a blue scenario is applied, it is estimated that the GDP of Vietnam’s marine economic sectors will be 34% (or US$23.5 billion) higher; and GNI per capita in these sectors almost 78% (or US$7,100) higher compared to the business-as-usual scenario in 2030.

"As a long-standing partner of Vietnam, we are proud to support this workshop.  Norway is committed to combating climate change and to develop sustainable ocean economy.  As a leading ocean nation with prominent marine industries, we see that emerging industries like offshore wind power have a vital role to play” said H.E. Ms. Hilde Solbakken, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam.

Ambassador Solbakken emphasized, "An effective approach to oceans management is and has been a very helpful tool to Norway. We believe a marine spatial plan would ensure the sustainable ocean management, which is essential for achieving our shared vision of a green, resilient, and prosperous future. By sharing and learning from each other we can ensure all industries would benefit from the ocean while marine ecosystems and biological diversity are preserved. We are committed to working with our partners in Vietnam including the UNDP and key Ministries and authorities of Vietnam to promote sustainable blue growth, protect the marine environment, and support the country's energy transition”.

In attendance were key stakeholders in the area of MSP in Vietnam, including VASI, the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority, Petro Vietnam, GIZ, the World Bank and the Norway-based energy company Equinor, along with representatives from embassies, provincial authorities, international organizations and experts, and the private sector.

By providing a framework for decision-making and stakeholder engagement, MSP is expected to further ensure that renewable energy, and especially offshore wind power, is developed in a way that is socially and environmentally sustainable, while also contributing to Vietnam’s rising energy needs.