Changes needed in energy strategy: expert

NDO/ VNA – It’s time for Vietnam to change the nation’s mindset and approach to energy strategy, while considering the saving of energy in production and consumption as a must instead of a choice, stated Assistant Prof.Dr. Tran DinhThien, head of the Vietnam Institute of Economics.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong speaking at the forum (Photo: VNA)
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong speaking at the forum (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the “Vietnam Energy Forum: Present and Future” held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Hanoi on May 4, Thien said that energy waste in use, which leads to a high energy cost, reduces the country’s competitiveness.

Vietnam’s growth model has long been dependent on exploiting natural resources, traditional industries as well as energy-consuming and low technology sectors, he added.

Thien noted that currently, energy consumption in the cement industry is 50%, while that of the pottery industry is 35%; garment and textile, 30%; steel, 20%; and agriculture, 50%.

He also stressed the need to promote the use of energy in a smart economy, along with the application of modern technology in energy production and consumption to reduce cost.

Meanwhile, experts at the event highlighted that the energy strategy should be included in the technology strategy to deal with the tension of energy supply and demand, while prioritising the development of high technology industries instead of “classical” ones that require large amounts of natural resources and energy.

It is also necessary to focus on a green and safe energy system with the key pillar being renewable energy, they said.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam is facing challenges in energy as the energy demand is surging amidst stricter environmental requirements that put pressure on ensuring energy security.

From an energy exporter, Vietnam has become a country importing energy, added the ministry.

It noted that the energy demand over the last five years rose about 9.5% each year, which is forecast to continue to increase in the next 15 years. At the same time, energy consumption increased on average by 13% each year in the 2006-2010 period and 11% in the last five years, and is predicted to increase by 10% in the future.

A representative from the Department of Industry under the Central Committee’s Economic Commission said that along with ensuring energy supply through the comprehensive development of the energy system, it is crucial to re-assess the trend of energy use in the world and apply modern technology and saving energy.

In order to reach the target of 1-1.5% reduction in energy loss each year, stronger measures are needed in energy saving nationwide, said the official.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong said that the ministry is concentrating on building policy and mechanisms for economical and effective energy use and application of environmentally-friendly technology in energy production towards a low-carbon economy.