HCMC – Vietnamese businesses operating in industrial and export processing zones are exploring rooftop solar power as a means to meet the rising demand for clean energy and adhere to international sustainability standards, according to industry experts.
The potential for rooftop solar deployment is substantial, with nearly 80,000 secondary investors in industrial and export processing zones across Vietnam, said Tran Thien Long, standing vice chairman of the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association (VIREA).
His remarks were made during a recent seminar organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in HCMC.
“Secondary investors and exporters are seeking to transition to green and renewable energy to meet the requirements of their importing partners,” Long noted, highlighting rooftop solar energy as a viable solution.
However, regulatory challenges are hindering the widespread adoption of this technology. Participants at the forum pointed out several obstacles, including complex administrative procedures, a lack of standardized technical requirements, and capacity constraints in the power grid.
Experts at the seminar urged the Government to streamline regulations, simplify administrative procedures, and provide more support to businesses interested in investing in rooftop solar power.
Vietnam has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and to phasing out coal-fired power plants by 2030. Despite these commitments, businesses are still struggling to obtain permits and comply with regulations for rooftop solar installations.
Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile Association (VITAS), underscored the difficulties faced by textile manufacturers in meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards imposed by European and U.S. markets. These standards include requirements for the use of recycled materials, environmentally friendly products, and the elimination of coal-fired boilers.
“If we have solar power from rooftops, we can solve this problem,” Giang said, adding that rooftop solar can offer businesses greater energy independence.
