On March 12, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with the Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam, Keijo Norvanto, and Mr. Hakan Agnevall, Chairman of Wartsila, a Finnish corporation operating in the energy and maritime sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister highly appreciated the cooperation between Vietnam and Finland in sustainable development areas such as circular economy, environmental protection, and clean energy.
Mr. Tran Hong Ha also informed that Vietnam is currently partnering with the EU and G7 countries to achieve the commitment of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Wartsila Group leaders reported on the flexible power plant project being researched and implemented in Vietnam.
Ambassador Keijo Norvanto stated that Vietnam and Finland have had many effective projects and cooperative activities in sustainable development, including clean water supply, environmental sanitation, innovation, and reforestation.
Currently, the two countries are exchanging technology and knowledge to develop in high-tech fields of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Mr. Hakan Agnevall briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on flexible power plant technology, combining gas and renewable energy sources to ensure stability and balance for the power system when increasing the proportion of wind and solar power.
The Group is currently working with Vietnamese partners to research and implement the first flexible power plant project in Vietnam, using LNG and future conversion to Hydro, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the power system.
Deputy Prime Minister stated that in the process of implementing JETP and Net Zero, Vietnam needs support in terms of technology, resources, and management. The process of converting coal-fired power plants to gas-fired power plants, combined with electricity from renewable energy sources, is suitable for this progress.
Regarding the Wartsila Group’s flexible power plant project, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested that a full calculation be made regarding infrastructure investment costs, gas purchase options, development of renewable energy sources, transmission systems, and production costs, in accordance with the Vietnamese market and consumers.
According to the Power Master Plan VIII, by 2030, domestic gas-fired and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power sources will reach over 37,000 MW, equivalent to nearly 25% of the total power capacity. Of which, LNG power will be about 24,000 MW, accounting for about 15%.
