Key bioenergy subsectors for electricity generation in Viet Nam
The GIZ Bioenergy project in Viet Nam recently concluded a study on ‘Subsector analysis to utilise bioenergy for heat and power generation.’ Based on a preliminary analysis of 23 subsectors, the three most promising – pig farming and pork production, pulp and paper, and cassava-starch – were analysed in greater detail. Subsequently, 15 field visits and 35 in-depth interviews were conducted at farms and factories in the three subsectors.
A final workshop took place virtually on 30 June, which presented study results and gathered further comments from professionals and relevant authorities to help various industries reduce their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by taking advantage of domestic bioenergy resources.
Key findings for Viet Nam include:
- In the pig-pork sector, electricity generation from biogas can be financially attractive.
- In the pulp and paper sector, small and medium enterprises can use bioenergy for boilers to produce steam while larger ones with a demand of more than 50 tonnes of steam per hour can use a combined heat and power (CHP) system.
- In the cassava-starch sector, bioenergy opportunities exist at large CHP factories or at biogas plants with advanced design.
“Viet Nam has abundant potential for biomass resources to produce energy, especially electricity. The development target for biomass to energy in total electricity production is 2.1 % in 2030 in the current national Power Development Plan. This study importantly identifies the most promising and relevant subsectors in Viet Nam for further investment in bioenergy. The results will be used for further project activities, such as supporting pre-feasibility studies and technology cooperation,” said Mr. Nathan Moore, Director of the ‘Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Viet Nam’ (BEM) project.
The BEM project is jointly implemented by GIZ and the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority (EREA) of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).