An international conference on challenges facing renewable energy in Viet Nam will be held in HCM City on August 23.

In April 2017, the Prime Minister issued a decision to encourage the development of solar power projects in Viet Nam, and five months later, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued a circular on Solar Power Project Development and Standardised Power Purchase Agreements for Solar Power Projects.

Undoubtedly, local and foreign investors are excited about renewable energy in Viet Nam, which is expected to grow by 23.2 per cent annually from 2020-30.

So far, although up to 24GW capacity of renewable energy has been registered, only 19 per cent made it to construction stage and 8 per cent are in operations. Meanwhile, most projects are still at the preparation stages.

Various issues relating to licensing, the approval process, the structure of a joint agreement and financing options have been raised. However, there have been a lack of dialogue and forum to address those issues.

The conference aims to act as a platform for dialogue among renewable energy developers; banking executives; engineering, procurement and construction contractors; institutional investors and lawyers to share not only market insights and lessons learnt from previous projects, but also key issues and risks in terms of project development, financing, M&As and equity investments.

The event is being organised by StoxPlus in collaboration with Eurocham, and is expected to draw around 100 representatives from local financial institutions and foreign direct investment (FDI) companies operating in Viet Nam.

It will take place at Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1. — VNS