This is the sharing of Mr. Hoang Quang Phong - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) at the Forum "Solar power for rooftops in industrial parks - Demands and solutions for enterprises" organized by the Business Forum Magazine on the afternoon of April 11, 2024.

The forum "Solar power for rooftops in industrial parks - Demands and solutions for enterprises" organized by the Business Forum Magazine took place on the afternoon of April 11, 2024.

In his opening remarks at the forum, Mr. Hoang Quang Phong stated that the development of a green economy, a circular economy, is not only a trend but also increasingly receiving attention at the summit meetings of countries around the world. Recently, Vietnam has demonstrated proactive implementation of international commitments, especially Vietnam's commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.

On May 15, 2023, the Prime Minister signed and issued the National Energy Development Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (Power Development Plan VIII). In Power Development Plan VIII, the government encourages the strong development of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Regarding solar power for rooftops, Power Development Plan VIII also sets the target of striving for by 2030, 50% of office buildings and 50% of households to use self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power.

Mr. Hoang Quang Phong - Vice Chairman of VCCI, spoke at the forum.

"According to forecasts by experts, with the rapid growth rate in the field of business production, supplying electricity to enterprises will always be difficult if Vietnam does not utilize other energy sources, especially renewable energy. Among them, using green energy from rooftop solar power systems is an indispensable choice for enterprises.

"With the use of green energy from rooftop solar power systems, enterprises will have proactive access to stable electricity during the production and business process, enjoying economic benefits and cost savings," Mr. Phong shared.

According to Mr. Phong, Vietnam is currently participating in 19 bilateral and multilateral FTAs with most economies in the world, which is the basis for Vietnam to further connect and participate in global value chains. In the EU and some other countries, products imported into these markets must have green certificates to enjoy preferential treatment.

Vietnamese enterprises wishing to participate in the global arena to enjoy benefits, in addition to basic conditions such as rules of origin, quality standards, must also meet green standards.

The forum received attention from experts, regulatory agencies, and the business community

"Thus, it can be said that the use of rooftop solar power not only helps enterprises proactively engage in production and business, reduce production costs, and enhance competitiveness, but also is an indispensable condition in the international integration process," Mr. Phong emphasized.

He also pointed out that although renewable energy, green energy, specifically rooftop solar power, are so important and necessary, the installation of rooftop solar power systems for enterprises has not been promoted over the years due to the lack of specific regulations and criteria. Procedures and guidance documents from ministries and sectors are not clear and consistent.

"To synthesize the proposals and suggestions of businesses, identify the causes and solutions to overcome difficulties, and promote the development of rooftop solar power systems to serve the urgent production needs of enterprises, the Business Forum Magazine, in coordination with the Institute of Economic and Policy Research (VERP) - National Economics University (Hanoi National University), organized a forum with the theme: "Rooftop Solar Power in Industrial Parks - Demands and Solutions for Enterprises."

"As representatives of the business community, VCCI will consolidate opinions, suggestions, and present them to the Government and relevant ministries and sectors to promptly issue appropriate and timely policy mechanisms, helping to promote the installation of rooftop solar power systems in industrial parks specifically, and for businesses in general, contributing to accelerating Vietnam's progress on the path of integration and development," the Chairman of VCCI emphasized.