Vietnam is not alone in the development of renewable energy

Solar power development, in particular, and renewable energy development in general, is a hot topic not only in Vietnam but also around the world. Thus, study and learning experiences from developed countries can help Vietnam move in the right direction to develop solar power.

1. Israel

Israel is a leader in the development and testing of floating solar power technology. The founder of Solar Synergy, Mr. Yossi Fisher and Dr. Yuri Yokotov, revealed the design of a solar cell device made of ultra-light fiberglass and plastic materials connected together in the shape of a mesh in 2011. This battery system is built in the form of a “Lego-like module”. This approach helps to address two main disadvantages of conventional solar PV, which are the high cost of silicon processing and the need for space. Simultaneously, Solar Synergy was awarded first place in the national clean technology competition (Isarel National Cleantech Open IDEAS) at Tel Aviv University.

The most important benefit of floating solar power is that it uses very little valuable land resources. The construction of a 1GW (1GW = 1,000 MW) solar power plant necessitates a surface area of approximately 1,300 ha (1.3 million m2), hence, this device will use the empty space of existing works such as a hydropower dam lake for wastewater treatment. It also improves power generation performance since it is cooled by steam. Moreover, the use of photovoltaic cells on water eliminates the need for tree felling and forest clearing. Concurrently, the water block below will cool the overhead device, assisting in increasing 15-20% of electricity production while continuously working in high temperatures.

The most significant obstacle for developing countries, including Vietnam, is the high cost of implementing this scheme. New technology necessitates the use of sophisticated machinery as well as a team of trained engineers. Besides, the floating solar power system must be able to withstand natural forces. Many solar panel manufacturers are still not completely assured in their products' ability to withstand corrosion from salt water or frost. Interestingly, investors in this system often deploy in large water areas, which are only appropriate if hundreds to thousands of solar panels are installed (compared to conventional solar energy systems, usually only about 20 panels). As a consequence, deploying a small floating solar power device is virtually impossible.

2. China

China has the world’s second largest economy after the United States. Previously, China relied on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gas, and so on, but the country has increasingly diversified its power supply through the production of renewable energy and recycled energy. China passed the Renewable Energy Law in 2006, setting the foundations for the clean energy production movement. This country, in particular, has changed the price of renewable electricity and canceled plans to build coal-fired thermal power plants in order to encourage foreign investors to invest in the development of clean energy sources in this region. As a result, by the end of 2017, China had also hit 126 GW of power, a 67 % improvement over 2016.

3. Japan

Japan was also among the first to acknowledge the role and significance of clean energy sources in the country's socioeconomic growth. To further promote PV production, Japan released the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) law to buy renewable energy in August 2011, encouraging people to self-produce PV at home and thus building large and concentrated solar power centers. When private companies wish to invest, the FIT legislation provides for price support of solar-generated electricity.

In particular, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) amended the current FIT law in April 2017 to motivate and increase benefits for citizens and businesses investing in PV. As a result, tax breaks for renewable energy vary from 21 to 30 yen/kWp, depending on the size of the system. Furthermore, Japan will continue to pursue the aim of using a variety of energy sources. In particular, by 2030, renewable energy will account for 22-24% of total electricity generation, fossil fuels will account for 56%, and nuclear energy will account for 20-22%.

4. Action in Vietnam

Recognizing this opportunity, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has adopted a policy to encourage the production of solar energy technology. The first project in Vietnam has been operational since May 2019 at Da Mi Lake (Binh Thuan). For the first time, the average power output is projected to exceed 69 million kWh/year with a capacity of 47.5 MW and a cumulative investment of more than 1,500 billion VND.

The total area of land used for the project, including the upper part of the lake, is approximately 57ha (solar panel installation) and approximately 67ha (above ground) (construction of transformer station, inverter and power transmission line, and so forth). This is an independent power source project that was not included in the National Electricity Development Plan's power source list for the period 2011-2020 with a view to 2030. As a result, the Binh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee has recommended to the General Department of Energy (Ministry of Industry and Trade) that additional amendments be assessed and approved in compliance with current regulations.

Pham Ha Linh

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References

• Anonymous (2017). “Giai phap dien Mat Troi lap noi tren mat nuoc: Xu huong cua tuong lai”. Retrieved from http://savinapower.com/giai-phap-dien-mat-troi-lap-noi-tren-mat-nuoc-xu-huong-cua-tuong-lai/

• Ngo Van Tuan (2019). “Phat trien dien mat troi: Kinh nghiem nhin tu cac nuoc”. Retrieved from http://baochinhphu.vn/Phat-trien-he-thong-dien-mat-troi/Phat-trien-dien-mat-troi-Kinh-nghiem-nhin-tu-cac-nuoc/373475.vgp