However, contrary to expectations, the breakthrough of renewable energy is slowing down worryingly. Solar and wind power projects that have made miracles in the 2018-2020 period are now facing the risk of being "shelved".
It is worth mentioning that this "shelving" is not due to lack of capital or technology, but because the barriers of infrastructure management, operation and coordination have not been removed.
The situation of wind power projects such as in Quang Tri being stalled due to site clearance problems, or thousands of MW of solar power that have not been signed for sale, cannot be connected to the grid due to traffic congestion, shows a paradox: Vietnam is not lacking wind, not lacking sunlight, not lacking investors, but is lacking an operating mindset in the direction of adaptation and flexibility to the new movements of the global energy market.
We are applying old management tools to operate a new energy system. Renewable energy is characterized by scattered, volatile and high connectivity, while the national power system is designed in a focused, rigid and single-line direction. The mechanism of regulation, allocation, connection... is still heavy in procedures, causing many businesses to invest first, but still "row up" waiting to be operated.
Meanwhile, auxiliary technologies to absorb renewable energy such as battery storage, activated hydropower, or smart grid have not been properly invested.
Many businesses are willing to pioneer in testing new models such as direct rooftop solar power, but there is no clear legal corridor. This not only wastes social resources, but also discourages private investors, which are the main driving force for green energy in Vietnam.
Transitional electricity price policy, technical regulations, transparent PPA contract models... are all urgent tasks. But more importantly, there needs to be a change in management thinking: From control to creativity, from waiting for absolute safety to controlling testing.
The energy market needs to be considered an "inningovation space", where flexible mechanisms can be applied, new models can be tested, thereby creating a premise for sustainable development.
Don't let old thinking hold on to new energy. It is not possible to expect renewable energy projects to develop effectively if they are still affected by the mindset of "over and under waiting" or waiting for the planning to be completed.
In the context of the international community changing strongly because of the goal of reducing emissions, if Vietnam does not take a quick step, we will not only fall behind in technology but also lose the opportunity to access green financial resources and sustainable supply chains in the future.
