On the afternoon of September 16, 2021, the online seminar “Power Development Planning (PDP) VIII: Open or tighten the green transition roadmap?” organized by the Vietnam Sustainable Energy Alliance (VSEA) took place with the participation of more than 200 deputies. Member of the 15th National Assembly, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Halcom Vietnam JSC. Nguyen Quang Huan attended and gave comments.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has just released an updated draft of PDP VIII for comments after conducting the required review as the conclusion of Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh. According to this new draft, the total capacity of power sources in both planning periods will decrease (7.6GW – 2030, 15 GW – 2045), at the same time, capacity of renewable energy will be reduced by more than 8,000 MW and that of coal power will be increased by more than 3,000 MW.
Please watch the broadcast on Facebook Fanpage GreenID Vietnam here.
The Vietnam Sustainable Energy Alliance, an organization working for the sustainable energy development of Vietnam and the Mekong region, made recommendations to PDP VIII including sticking to the path of renewable energy development; considering and finding alternatives to coal power projects with low feasibility, local unsupportiveness and difficult access to finance; find solutions to encourage the private sector to invest in renewable energy and use energy storage batteries; clarify the allocation of capital sources according to the investment phases and make the roadmap to a competitive electricity market according to Resolution 55.
According to Mr. Huan, the seminar is of great significance, which shows the enthusiasm of the Vietnam Sustainable Energy Alliance in contributing to the country. From his perspective, it is not necessary to look to the extreme that PDP 8 will be open or closed. The advantage of this PDP VIII is that policy makers have evaluated and corrected the shortcomings of the PDP VII, namely the problem of solar power overdevelopment as expected and leading to deflation in many places. However, on the contrary, the issue of coal power was increased in proportion and made Mr. Huan wonder. It is necessary to acknowledge and stick to the orientation of the Party and State to be able to inherit the core ideas, continue the previous policies as well as avoid unnecessary mistakes. If Vietnam develops more coal power, there will be energy security risks that lead to environmental pollution, negative impacts on public health and people’s income.
“The advantage of this PDP VIII is that policy makers have evaluated and corrected the shortcomings of the PDP VII, namely the problem of solar power overdevelopment as expected and leading to deflation in many places.” – Member of the 15th National Assembly, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Halcom Vietnam JSC. Nguyen Quang Huan shared.
Other deputies also expressed concern about the feasibility of coal power projects. While this proposal may be aimed at the convenience of the power operator, it may not be the optimal solution. Although there were some conflicting opinions, most of the deputies agreed that there should be a basis to support the development of renewable energy power and no on coal power development.
Press release:
- Lao Dong: Power Development Planning VIII paves way for environment-unfriendly energy
- VnEconomy: Power Development Planning VIII seems give favor to coal power
- Bnews: Power Development Planning VIII: Paving the way or tightening the green transition roadmap?
- Bnews: VSEA recommends to review the feasibility of coal power projects