The discussion was held in Hanoi by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Discussion included difficulties and challenges in developing the energy sector with the aim to use energy effectively and apply science and technology in achieving sustainable development.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Tran Van Tung said that Vietnam is facing barriers in energy guarantee and sustainable development. Being an energy export, the country is dependent heavily on import and the demand of energy increases gradually.
At present, policy-makers are outlining a plan how to save energy and use it effectively as well as apply more environmentally friendly technologies, said the deputy minister.
To meet the increasing demand in the country, one of key factors is that Vietnam need to master technology to localize the technology and equipment to curb imports, Mr. Tung stressed.
Experts all agreed that Vietnam needs to urgently save energy and find new energy.
Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan from the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Energy Institute said that the curent priority is concentrating to develop renewable energy including wind energy, solar power and Vietnam is potential for wind and solar energy.
Wind farms in Vietnam can have a combined capacity of just 26,700 MW and solar power can reach capacity of 339,600 MW. It is expected that renewable energy in Vietnam will account for 7 percent and 10 percent of electricity by 2020 and 2030 respectively.
Moreover, by 2050, renewable energy will account for 43 percent of the whole country’s electricity.
Currently, hydro electric power accounts for 38.3 percent and coal-fired power 34.6 percent.
When it comes to energy saving, Deputy Head of Schneider Electric Vietnam Do Manh Dung said that as per a study, Vietnam can save 30 percent of consumed energy per year.
