The event was held to share outstanding project results and discuss solutions to promote solar power development in the future.

With about 17GW of solar power capacity in operation since 2020, Vietnam has become a leading country in solar power development in the ASEAN region. More than 100,000 rooftop solar power systems have been installed, equivalent to nearly 50% of total solar power capacity, marking an important milestone for Vietnam's power system in achieving the national target on climate change (net zero emissions by 2050). Recently issued legal documents, such as Decree No. 80/2024/ND-CP on the Direct Power Purchase Agreement Mechanism and Decree No. 135/2024/ND-CP promoting self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power, have created a legal framework to promote the development of the rooftop solar power market.

In this context, GIZ and EREA have coordinated to implement the CIRTS project. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and will be implemented from February 2021 to January 2025.

The project aims to facilitate the sustainable development of rooftop solar power in Vietnam and to strengthen the capacity of Vietnamese agencies to integrate rooftop solar power into the grid, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnam Electricity (EVN). The CIRTS project supports the resolution of technical, administrative, and regulatory issues related to rooftop solar power operation and grid integration to supply clean, safe, and cost-effective power to the power system, contributing to building a solid foundation for the development of clean energy in Vietnam.

Event of Reviewing Rooftop Solar Project in Commercial and Industrial Sector on January 10, 2025. Photo source: GIZ

After implementation, the project has achieved positive results and is highly appreciated:

Improving the performance and longevity of the rooftop solar system through operation and maintenance and fire prevention and safety guidelines: For the rooftop solar system to operate well, Vietnam needs to ensure that the installation, operation, and maintenance of the system are safe and efficient as an important factor. The CIRTS project has contributed to raising public awareness, supporting EVN to promote the implementation of quality standards, and fire prevention and safety regulations, and developing operation and maintenance guidelines to maintain the performance and prolong the lifespan of the rooftop solar system. As a result, stakeholders in the rooftop solar sector can maximize the value of their systems, and increase profits and electricity output from rooftop solar sources.

EVN’s power system coordination and operation have been enhanced: EVN staff are better equipped to manage the current and future rooftop solar system, minimize solar power curtailments, and operate the system efficiently. Some notable results include: improving accuracy in solar power output forecasting, enhancing coordination between transmission and distribution system operators (a memorandum of understanding/agreement on data sharing for load and solar power output forecasting has been signed), and recommendations have been made for the implementation of an advanced distributed energy management system.

Expanding the solar training program: In collaboration with the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, the CIRTS project has developed a document to support the operation and maintenance of the rooftop solar system. This document will be reviewed and contributed to the training program for technicians at vocational colleges nationwide.

Updating the policy for developing renewable energy through technical analysis: The CIRTS project supports the restoration of the renewable energy market through technical and legal advice on renewable energy development policy. This activity is promoted through coordination with other development partners and is further considered to be promoted within the framework of supporting the development of a Resource Mobilization Plan to implement the contents of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Mrs. Helga Barth - German Ambassador to Vietnam emphasized that the great potential of solar power is an opportunity that can be easily grasped. She said: “The experience of both countries in developing solar power markets and integrating systems lays a solid foundation for future efforts. The development partnership between the two sides will help Vietnam continue to develop solar power in its energy mix, establishing a key pillar in the country's carbon-emission reduction strategy.”

Translator: Mạnh Hùng