Research institute-business cooperation for technology transfer and human resources was a key matter discussed at the 2019 Vietnam Technology-Energy forum, which took place in Ho Chi Minh City on June 26.

A representative of the SolarBK company introduces a smart technological solution
for the renewable energy sector at the 2019 Vietnam Technology-Energy forum

According to Huynh Thanh Dat, Director of the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), Vietnam holds great potential for renewable energy growth, with 63 percent of its total areas suitable for developing wind power facilities. However, the advantage is yet to be fully tapped.

A number of university-business cooperation projects have been carried out in the sector, including those between the HCM City University of Technology and Bach Khoa Investment and Development of Solar Power Corporation (SolarBK Group) as well as the VNUHCM and Redsun-ITI Corporation. A project on the localization of wind power machines in Vietnam has also seen the participation of Vietnamese and German universities, research institutes and enterprises.

However, cooperation and investment in clean energy remain limited. As such, the renewable power output accounts for a small proportion of the country’s total.

As of May, Vietnam had 57 operating solar and wind power plants with a total designed capacity of approximately 2,800 MW.

At the forum, participating Vietnamese and foreign experts and businessmen discussed experiences and policies related to sustainable energy development, smart technology in the field, and Vietnam’s wind turbine production technology.

Sang Hoon Lee, director of the Green Energy Strategy Institute under the Republic of Korea (RoK) Energy Agency, praised Vietnam’s potential for clean energy, particularly wind power.

He said the RoK side is willing to share renewable energy experience and technology with Vietnam.