Rooftop solar PV does not match its potential
Deputy Minister of MOIT Hoang Quoc Vuong said that in the period of 2020-2030, energy demand is still growing at a rate of 7.5-8% / year. This has caused many difficulties and challenges for the electricity system, especially in the context that Vietnam has exploited all primary energy sources; many coal thermo-power projects under the Revised Power Development Plan VII have been slow in progress.
In the context of the electricity system being under pressure to ensure power supply, especially after 2020, the development of grid-connected renewable energy projects and rooftop solar power is considered as one of the important solutions.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong (front, middle) visiting solar PV booths at the workshop
In recent years, with the preferential mechanisms of the Government, the strong participation by MOIT, localities, businesses and the active support of the electricity industry, the renewable energy source has developed rapidly. The total capacity of RE in the system currently reaches over 5,500MW. Particularly for solar power, there have been a 5,000MW capacity in operation, in which grid-connected projects reached about 4,500MW, rooftop solar power (RSP) has reached 31,570 projects with a total installed capacity of 657.88MWp.
Vietnam has become a nation gaining a high growth rate and a highlight in the world for the development of RE in general and solar power in particular, which is recognized and highly appreciated by international organizations.
Although positive results have been achieved, the RSP development still remains certain limitations and is not commensurate with the potential, especially in the Central and Southern regions. Specifically, the initial investment costs are still quite high, not yet gaining the participation, strong support from financial institutions; The market for solar power products and services is quite diverse but there is no specific technical standard, which makes it difficult for potential people and businesses to make investment, etc.
Propaganda and promotion activities are still limited; customers are still hesitant to invest in this field due to lack of information about product quality, construction, installation units, modes of equipment operation and warranty, etc.
The need of motivating mechanism
Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Vo Quang Lam - Deputy General Director of EVN said that over the past time, EVN has taken many solutions to promote the RSP development.
Specifically, the Group has instructed power corporations to implement Decision No. 11/2017/QD-TTg, 13/2020/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister; decentralize the process of connection, technical inspection, installation of 2-way meters, signing electricity trading contracts and paying electricity bills to electricity companies, in order to create the most favorable conditions for customers in installation of RSP.
Mr. Vo Quang Lam - Deputy General Director of EVN speaking at the seminar
EVN strengthened the promotion and propaganda to all customers about the benefits of RSP ; directing units under EVN and encouraging employees to pioneer in the installation of RSP. Currently, EVN is developing the EVNSOLAR platform, solar.evn.com.vn, to help promote this type of development.
In order to promote the development of RSP, in the coming time, the Government should issue a mechanism to encourage agencies, units and organizations under the ministries, branches and People's Committees of provinces and cities to install RSP; support households a part of initial investment funding, etc.
MOIT and MOST should soon promulgate RSP standards; banks, investors, international organizations and local organizations have been strongly participated in the RSP market in Vietnam. In addition, investors, producers, suppliers, and installers need to coordinate with EVN and Electricity units to provide efficient solutions and attractive services to customers.
Deputy Minister Hoang Quoc Vuong said that, presently, MOIT is developing and submitting action programs of RE development to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval as a basis for implementation in the coming time. At the same time, the Ministry also received all comments and recommendations; further study, supplement and perfect mechanisms and policies to report them to the Government for consideration and decision in the spirit of accompanying with, creating conditions for businesses and people to participate in the sustainable development of RE resources in general, RSP in particular in Vietnam.