Challenges still face bioenergy development in Viet Nam, such as financial and capacity barriers. The economic viability of local bioenergy projects is also low.
The results are part of initial findings of the study shared by Dr. Nguyen Huong Thuy Phan – a consultant team leader of the Asian Institute of Technology in Viet Nam (AIT-VN) at the consultation workshop “Study on the potential of South-South cooperation on bioenergy development in Viet Nam”. The event took place on 30 September 2022 in Hanoi.
Having the same view, Associate Prof. Dr. Pham Hoang Luong – Director of the Viet Nam – Japan International Institute for Science and Technology (VJIIST), Hanoi University of Science & Technology highlighted that the country has difficulties in developing modern technologies of biomass energy, due to a lack of local and international capital sources, as well as skill and experience shortage. He also identified other challenges including technical and social barriers.
Dr. Luong said that lessons learned from other countries showed the cooperation between two or among developing nations in the south of the Equator (or South-South cooperation in short) can only work when they have appropriate technology at small scales. For success, the technology cooperation should be based on current market demand, clear identification of biomass sources and local human capacity development.
The hybrid workshop welcomed more than 60 representatives from government agencies, development partners and international NGOs, private sector and financial institutions, academia and a broad network of researchers and experts from Thailand, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Australia.
The participants had discussions and provided constructive comments on the study and an action plan on a comprehensive pathway for short- and long-term cooperation between Viet Nam and some selected countries in the south of the Equator on biogas development. Potential activities were identified, such as technology exchange among investors, equipment suppliers, academia and other organisations interested in new technologies for power and heat generation. After that, some topics will be prioritized for academic exchange among the countries and relevant stakeholders.
The workshop is a part of the Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Viet Nam project (BEM), which is under the GIZ Energy Support Programme. The BEM is implemented by GIZ and the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority/Ministry of Industry and Trade and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Customer Protection (BMUV).
Within the BEM project, the Bioenergy Expert Desk is providing consultation to businesses and organisations about biomass and biogas related topics in Viet Nam. Handling the requests are a group of national and international leading experts. The Bioenergy Expert Desk will last until December this year.
To send a request form, please visit: https://www.esp.org.vn/…/bioenergy-expert-desk-ask-us…
