Rooftop-solar projects in Gia Lai Province. Vietnamese firms have ample opportunities to develop green and clean projects. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoài Nam

HCM CITY — Vietnamese firms have ample opportunities to develop green and clean projects, particularly in renewable energy, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), data centre and smart building construction, experts said at a series of seminars on energy held in HCM City on Wednesday.

The events were co-hosted by Informa Markets Vietnam, the Asia-Pacific Urban Energy Association (APUEA), the Việt Nam Internet Association, and other units.

Experts noted that Việt Nam is becoming a regional leader in infrastructure investment, with an investment level reaching 6 per cent of GDP, significantly higher than the ASEAN average of 2.3 per cent.

Lữ Minh Quyên, senior project manager at Informa Markets Vietnam, highlighted a critical need for investment, citing the Global Infrastructure Facility data as saying that Việt Nam requires US$25 billion annually to meet its infrastructure needs. However, the national budget can only cover around $15 billion, presenting both challenges and opportunities for both private and public sectors in investment promotion and strategic project development.

The nation's shift toward renewable energy is evident in the Power Development Plan VIII, which was approved last year. By 2030, renewable sources are expected to make up 27 per cent of Việt Nam’s electricity mix, with onshore wind power contributing 14.5 per cent, offshore wind power 4 per cent, and solar power 8.5 per cent.

APUEA Executive Director Peter Lundberg said Việt Nam, like many other regional countries, faces the dual challenge of meeting growing energy demand while addressing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions.

To address these challenges, Việt Nam has set ambitious climate goals, including achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This requires significant effort but presents substantial opportunities for renewable energy development.

A successful energy transition must go beyond simply adopting renewable energy sources. Smarter energy use, increased efficiency, and innovative technologies that reduce energy costs and lower dependence on fossil fuels will be key to realising a sustainable energy future, he said. — VNS