Dual energy transition - the key to sustainable development
On the afternoon of October 10, in Hanoi, the Institute of Energy Technology (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) held a workshop on "Dual energy transition for green, sustainable development in the era of growth".
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Tran Tho, Director of the Institute of Energy Technology (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) said that the world is entering an era of clean energy, of a circular economy and carbon neutrality, where each decision today will affect the energy ecosystem of many future generations.
Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Tran Tho emphasized that Vietnam is not out of this trend because energy is always the artery of the economy. For sustainable development, we cannot continue to follow the path of "growth first - handling later".
Vietnam is facing great opportunities and challenges. The Politburo issued Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation development; Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW on ensuring national energy security until 2030, vision 2045: with the orientation of building a modern, smart, flexible, internationally connected and sustainable energy system.
The Government's issuance of Green Growth strategies and the commitment to Net Zero by 2050 at COP26 are clear evidence of Vietnam's determination. Dual energy conversion - energy conversion and technology conversion - is the key to ensuring development needs, environmental protection and balancing the ecosystem - Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Tran Tho emphasized.
Sharing the same view, Dr. Vo Thanh Phong - Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology - Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Committee assessed that climate change is happening rapidly, the world order is multipolar, multi-centered. CO2 emissions still pose a global threat, with an estimated loss of $38 trillion by 2050.
Our Party has identified this problem early, considering dual energy transition as a key factor to achieve sustainable development goals. The Government issues and implements key policies to support green transformation" - Dr. Vo Thanh Phong affirmed.
According to Dr. Vo Thanh Phong, Vietnam is having good opportunities in the green energy transition. First, the potential for renewable energy is abundant. Along with the policy of encouraging renewable energy, in the past 3 years, wind power and solar power projects have developed strongly in the coastal provinces of the Central and the South.
Second, financial support and international cooperation through programs such as JETP provide an important opportunity to raise capital.
Third, the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) opens up opportunities to optimize the energy system.
Fourth, the increasing participation of the private sector and local communities creates opportunities for sustainable transformation, contributing to ensuring social justice, avoiding inequality in transformation, and taking advantage of local labor to build projects.
Diversifying energy sources
In the coming time, Dr. Vo Thanh Phong believes that Vietnam needs to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Invest in science and technology to support green transformation, focusing on applying AI, IoT and storage technology to build a smart grid.
Complete direct electricity purchase and sale policies, carbon markets, and tax incentives for clean energy. These policies will create an attractive investment environment, mobilize private capital, and ensure fair transition. At the same time, it reduces the burden on the state budget and increases revenue from the carbon market.
According to Dr. Vo Thanh Phong, Vietnam needs to train and develop human resources for green energy. Focus on digital skills training, renewable energy technology and energy management, contributing directly to reducing the unemployment rate in rural areas.
Strengthening international cooperation and regional integration, accelerating access and receiving technology and capital transfers from partners such as the US, EU and Japan, helping Vietnam become a leader in green transformation in ASEAN.
