An overview of the renewable energy potentials in the Mekong river Delta, Vietnam

Abstract

The mekong river delta is the most southern region of viet nam, having a whole year strong solar radiation and a long coastal line towards both the east sea and the west sea. The delta also is recognised as a biggest agriculture - aquaculture - mangrove forest production of the nation, promising on her rich-biomass provision. So, this region is quite favourable for the potential development of renewable energy resources in different types and levels. Currently, all provinces of the mekong river delta depend mainly on thermal energy by burning non-renewable sources as coal, oil and gas fuels to produce electricity. These power energy plants are connecting throughout the country over nationwide grid-electricity system. Last three decades, vietnamese government has paid attention on hydropower development in the north and the central of vietnam, while the renewable energies from solar, wind, tide and biogas sources seem to be disregarded in the national and provincial socio-economic development strategy plans. However, during the past 5 years, vietnam has started to promote renewable energy development programs as part of the climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions of the national action plans, special in the southern region. This report will inventory some data figures on the regional renewable energy resources, focusing to solar, wind and rice husk energies. Additional discussion, renewable energy policies are noticed as possible solutions for the development and exploitation of cleaner powers that may be concerned.