Belgium, Vietnam seek broader renewable energy cooperation

This is part of wider efforts to boost renewable energy links between both sides, thereby demonstrating Vietnamese attention to Belgium's expertise and technology in the field of renewable energy.

As the nation boasts vast potential for renewable energy, it has become the focus of international partners' attention, especially as the country is striving to transition towards green energy.

Among the countries showing particular interest in Vietnam, Belgium has emerged as one of the most important partners. This collaboration not only brings about economic benefits, but also contributes to protecting the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and responding to the threat of climate change.

Leading Belgian energy corporations such as ELIA, Luminus, AVALON L E, and BESIX are all currently playing a significant role in implementing renewable energy projects in the nation.

Representatives from ELIA, which has extensive experience in operating power transmission systems, shared effective co-ordination ways among stakeholders, such as transmission system operators, construction units, railways, and urban traffic authorities in terms of implementing projects to upgrade and install power lines.

ELIA introduced approaches to minimise the environmental and community impact, while also ensuring that the project timelines remain unaffected.

Philippe Vermeulen, chairman of Avalon Group, said Belgium can apply many of Vietnam’s experiences, adding that they will also learn from the Vietnamese side’s valuable lessons from the development of renewable energy and grid management to create strong connections and co-operation between both sides.

Vermeulen also said that Avalon has supported ELIA in network management and development projects in Vietnam.

Tran Ngoc Quan, trade counselor and head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Belgium, introduced the Vietnamese energy development strategy up to 2030, highlighting the country’s vast potential for developing renewable energy, including wind power, solar power, and biomass.

Quan applauded the Vietnamese international co-operation potential within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), as well as the collaboration between the nation and the European Investment Bank (EIB) in mobilising funding for renewable energy projects and hydrogen development.

Ambassador Thao also underlined strong Vietnamese potential in renewable energy with its over 3,000 km of coastline, expressing his hope that with Belgium's extensive experience in this field, Belgian companies will continue to partner closely with the nation, further contributing to developing a more sustainable, clean, and efficient energy system.

Close co-operation, experience, and technology sharing between the two countries are expected to be key to realise this potential, helping Vietnam to become one of the leading countries in renewable energy development in Southeast Asia, he said.