Path to global green leadership

Professor Ha Duong Minh, a Vietnamese-French scientist and former senior researcher at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), tells VET about Vietnam’s potential in the transition to clean energy.

■ Can you share your perspective on Vietnam’s role in the global landscape?

Vietnam is a model country in socioeconomic development for this generation and is well-placed to become a world example in sustainable development. With its strategic location, vibrant economy, and commitment to green growth, it can showcase how best to achieve rapid economic progress while transitioning to a low-carbon future. By tapping its abundant renewable energy resources and collaborating with international partners, it has the potential to inspire other developing countries and demonstrate that a green economy is not only possible but also prosperous.

■ Given your background and experience in sustainable development economics, what strategies do you believe are essential for Vietnam to thrive amid rapid change? How can Vietnam take advantage of green finance from international investors to develop a green economy and create sustainability?

There are three key strategies for Vietnam to build a thriving green economy: Fix simple rules to encourage investing in natural energy sources;

Train people with the skills needed for jobs in environmentally-friendly industries;

Work with other countries to obtain funding for and knowledge on environmental projects.

By creating an attractive environment for green investment, Vietnam can attract the necessary funds - more than $10 billion a year - for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure projects.

As the saying goes, “If you build it, they will come.”

■ What policies and initiatives should Vietnam prioritize to achieve sustainable development without compromising social well-being?

A fair plan for changing to cleaner energy will make sure everyone benefits. As the Vietnamese proverb has it, “One tree cannot make a hill, but three trees together can make a high mountain.” Vietnam must prioritize inclusive policies that promote both environmental sustainability and social equity.

For remote communities, connection to the national power grid is still a critical enabler for socio-economic development, but local clean energy production like small hydroelectricity or solar are becoming more cost-effective.

Workers in carbon-intensive industries all over the world legitimately seek “just transition” support programs. The offshore oil and gas industry has a clear path towards offshore wind. The coal power sector has more time to turn around, since power plants are relatively new, but the coal exit is already being acted upon in government plans so nobody should be surprised.

Finally, social safety nets should be maintained and improved, especially regarding energy affordability for poor households.

■ What specific action do you recommend Vietnam take to achieve breakthrough success?

Just as the “Doi Moi” reforms unleashed Vietnam’s economic potential, a bold approach to energy transition could catalyze transformative growth. Vietnam should focus on implementing its power development plan, rapidly deploying proven renewables like solar and wind, with the goal of having solar panels on over half of all rooftops by 2030. Piloting innovative solutions such as battery gigafactories and smart grids is crucial, while fostering a startup ecosystem for cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship is also essential.

■ As an expert on energy transition, should Vietnam expect a breakthrough in attracting investment in power source conversion? What does it need to do to attract investors into the field of renewable power sources?

With the right policies, Vietnam has enormous potential to attract renewable energy investment. There is plenty of incoming solar energy and wind offshore. Now is the time to not only talk well but also act well, as another Vietnamese proverb has it. The key to attracting investment is to lower the risk, since this translates directly into a lower cost of capital. This has to be done by implementing stable, transparent policies. Once the first three projects are profitable, a pipeline of bankable projects will follow. By signaling a clear commitment and creating an enabling environment, Vietnam can unlock a wave of green capital.

■ Have you identified any opportunities to promote scientific and technical cooperation between Vietnam and France or Europe in the energy sector?

Promising opportunities for Vietnam - France / Europe clean energy cooperation include joint research and development (R&D) programs on smart grids, green hydrogen, floating solar, and agrovoltaics. Technical assistance and capacity building for Vietnam’s energy sector, provided by organizations like Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through project and corporate finance, is also crucial. Team Europe is a major contributor, and the Vietnam Energy Partnership Group is always looking for interesting proposals and qualified experts. Co-investment in major renewable energy projects, such as the collaboration between Électricité de France (EDF) and Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) in renewable and thermal power sectors in Vietnam, can also accelerate the energy transition. As the French poet Victor Hugo said, “Where a great idea meets great will, nothing is impossible.”

■ How can we create favorable conditions for businesses and the scientific communities in both countries to work together and share knowledge in the field of energy?

To foster Vietnam - France / Europe business and scientific cooperation on energy, it is necessary to: Facilitate personnel exchanges and joint innovation hubs; Harmonize standards and remove barriers to technology transfer; Provide incentives for cross-border energy partnerships.

Proactive efforts to connect innovation ecosystems can accelerate knowledgesharing for mutual benefit. As the Vietnamese saying goes, “Vietnamese intelligence can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the powers of five continents.”

How can we inspire young people in both countries to engage in the energy sector and foster new breakthroughs?

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Empowered youth drive the breakthroughs needed for a sustainable energy future. Inspiring youth engagement in the energy transition requires raising awareness about the importance and excitement of clean energy careers, such as through events like the January 2022 Student Forum on Sustainable Energy in Hanoi. Investing in STEM education and reskilling programs aligned with energy sector needs is a no-brainer, as collective enthusiasm can overcome many challenges and inertia. Creating platforms for young innovators to develop and scale new ideas, like the New Energy Nexus Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, is also crucial. In the words of Ho Chi Minh, “For ten years’ benefit, plant trees. For a hundred years benefit, educate people.”

■ How can Vietnam collaborate with international partners to address climate change on a global scale and achieve its climate goals, to help Vietnam not only be a “participant in the game” but also be “a game changer” in addressing climate change?

Vietnam can be a climate action gamechanger by: Demonstrating the socio-economic benefits of a rapid clean energy transition for developing economies; Advocating for more ambitious climate policies and support for vulnerable nations in international forums; Forming alliances with other climate leaders to jointly invest in transformational mitigation and adaptation solutions.

The fact that Vietnam was the thirdlargest solar market in the world in 2020 is reason to celebrate and to meditate. By punching above its weight, Vietnam can catalyze bold global climate action.

“Just as the ‘Doi Moi’ reforms unleashed Vietnam’s economic potential, a bold approach to energy transition could catalyze transformative growth.”

Professor Ha Duong Minh French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS)

■ Do you have any thoughts on supporting and training high-quality human resources in the energy sector in Vietnam to meet the country’s development needs?

Building Vietnam’s clean energy workforce is critical to meeting development needs. Measures needed include: Updating curricula and expanding energy programs at universities and vocational schools; Establishing national centers of excellence for energy research and innovation, starting for example with offshore wind power technology and solar+storage technology; Developing industry partnerships and apprenticeships to provide hands-on training.

A comprehensive approach to human resources development will ensure Vietnam has the talent to drive its energy ambitions. In the spirit of Ho Chi Minh’s words, “Learn in order to work, work to serve the country.”