Marine planning set for NA approval

Ta Dinh Thi, vice chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology, and the Environment

Ta Dinh Thi, vice chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology, and the Environment, said on April 20 that offshore wind power, one of the revolutionary solutions for energy conversion and national energy security, is inextricably linked to marine spatial planning, particularly the identification of potential sea areas and reasonable zoning for offshore wind power.

According to Thi, areas slated for offshore wind power development require extensive study. According to the regions and localities of provinces such as Quang Ninh, Ha Tinh, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, and Tra Vinh, only sea areas with the potential for wind power development have been recognised in Vietnam.

The Committee on Science, Technology, and the Environment is responsible for advising the thematic monitoring delegation of the National Assembly Standing Committee on the 2016–2021 implementation of policies and laws governing energy development.

Thi explained that one of the primary goals of the monitoring is to propose solutions to enhance the system of policies and laws and the organisation and implementation of energy development policies.

According to analysts, exploiting the potential of offshore wind power through sustainable marine spatial planning will assist Vietnam in achieving two key objectives by 2050, namely a high standard of living and net-zero emissions. This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to draw foreign investment in the sustainable development of the sea.

Ramla Khalidi, resident representative of United Nations Development Programme in Viet Nam, said that accelerating maritime spatial planning was essential to unlock the vast potential of offshore wind power development in Vietnam, as well as assist in sustainable development and climate change goals announced at COP26, and achieve zero net emissions by 2050.

Khalidi advised that marine spatial planning be viewed as a continuous process. It is essential that the planning and issuance processes, as well as the identification of offshore wind power development areas, be conducted openly and in consultation with all societal sectors.

According to Khalidi, the participation of all stakeholders, particularly the local community, is essential for ensuring that benefits are distributed equitably and protecting vulnerable groups.

Vietnam has dual opportunity from offshore wind power: Danish Ambassador Developing offshore wind power is a great dual opportunity for Vietnam, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz told a seminar themed “Promoting Vietnam’s offshore wind power development: International practices and policy recommendations” in Hanoi on March 16.

Vietnam has massive potential for offshore wind energy Vietnam has the potential to offer an economical and environmentally friendly energy source for economic growth, according to attendees at a recent workshop discussing offshore wind power.

Vietnam’s offshore wind realm remains in a muddle The strategy for renewable energy development being in limbo is holding back offshore wind power prospects in Vietnam.