International Workshop “Solar Energy in Vietnam: Integration with the Power Grid: Opportunities and Challenges”

Within the framework of the International Cooperation Project “Integrating the expertise of Southern Hemisphere countries (Ecuador and Vietnam) into the training and research activities of KU Leuven University, Belgium”, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Hanoi, on April 10, 2019, the Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, KU Leuven University, Belgium, organized the International Workshop “Solar Energy in Vietnam: Integration with the Power Grid: Opportunities and Challenges” at the Meeting Room, 1st Floor, G3 Building, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, 55 Giai Phong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Solar energy harvesting, particularly through PV systems, is booming in Vietnam and is expected to reach unprecedented levels in the coming years. Incentives introduced by the Vietnamese government in 2017 have attracted large-scale solar energy development projects, and Vietnam is predicted to lead this trend in Southeast Asia. However, current concerns are that the completion of these new projects could lead to grid overload and, furthermore, suboptimal operation of the PV systems. Besides large-scale projects, the installation of PV or PV/T systems on smaller rooftops continues to attract public interest.

The papers presented at the workshop discussed the latest research and practical solutions on solar energy collection and storage technology, challenges in integration with the power grid, and related socio-economic aspects in Vietnam and Belgium. The workshop served as a forum for researchers, local government representatives, businesses, and power grid operators to exchange ideas and solutions, along with a range of regulations related to the production, transportation, storage, and utilization of solar energy. Solar energy experts from both Vietnam and Belgium presented their perspectives on these issues, shared practical experiences, and exchanged ideas to address current challenges and maximize opportunities. Several practical lectures for students were also delivered as part of the workshop program.

Here are some photos from the workshop:

Delegates attending the International Conference

Professor Emilia Motoasca, KU Leuven University, Belgium, presented at the Workshop on PV Technology Applications in Belgium.

Dr. Philippe Vermeulen from Avalon L+E, Belgium, presented on his experience in developing distributed solar power.

Dr. Nguyen Van Khai presented on the opportunities and challenges in the development of solar power in Vietnam.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Quang, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, University of Civil Engineering, discussed technical issues related to the development of solar power in Vietnam.

Reporters from various media outlets covered the conference.

Faculty of Computer Science Communications Team