A wind power generation system in Ninh Thuan Province. Viet Nam expects to generate 1,000MW of electricity from wind farms by 2020 — Photo Le Truong

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Germany will support Viet Nam's wind power development with a budget of up to 6.9 million euros (US$7.73 million) this year through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The project implementation agreement, signed by head of the Industry and Trade Ministry's General Directorate of Energy Dang Hung Cuong and manager of GIZ Energy Support Programme Ingmar Stelter on June 12, will be in effect until 2018.

The project is part of the German Government-funded Renewable Energy Support Programme. It aims to improve the preconditions for the preparation and operation of wind power projects in Viet Nam.

It will also focus on improvement of the legal framework for wind power development, capacity development for relevant stakeholders and technology cooperation and helping the country reach its national targets for renewable energy development and green growth.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong highly praised the German Government's support for energy development in Viet Nam. He said, in the past few years, the two countries' governments had closely co-ordinated to develop energy in Viet Nam, especially green energy.

He expressed his confidence that with the support of the two governments, this co-operation would have good results.

The First Secretary of the German Embassy in Viet Nam Annette Frick said this was a very important project, proving the German Government's pledge and increasing contribution to Viet Nam's energy development. Through this project, Germany expected to transfer its experience in wind power to Viet Nam.

She also affirmed that the German Government would support the ministry in setting up a business environment that attracts investment in renewable energy as well as wind power.

Viet Nam's demand for energy will be very high in the future. Meanwhile, sources of supply are facing many challenges, especially in light of the exhaustion of coal and fluctuation of fuel prices.

To resolve this problem, the country has set a target to generate 1,000MW of electricity from wind farms by 2020, up from 52MW at present, and about 6,200MW by 2030. However, to reach this ambitious goal, the country will rely on strong efforts from the relevant sectors as well as support from other countries. — VNS