ninh-thuan-solarpark-en

Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has introduced a series of cautious market liberalisation reforms. This has significantly reduced poverty and opened up the economy. However, it has also increased the country's demand for energy.

Vietnam currently generates almost two thirds of its energy from coal, oil and gas. Until 2015, only 4% came from renewable sources. In response to climate change, the government has committed to increasing the use of renewables in the future.

Switzerland supports this effort. As a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), it helped build the solar park. The power generated there will be fed into the national grid with a 20-year purchase guarantee, reducing the country's annual carbon emissions by 240,000 tonnes.  

Most of the people living in the vicinity of the solar park are farmers. Initially, they feared negative effects on their environment. Then, they saw that the park was being built on wasteland unsuitable for farming and would create much needed jobs.

New roads were built alongside the solar park and the surrounding villages. These not only facilitate the transport of livestock and agricultural products but also make it easier for the children to get to school. "I am very proud that this project has helped improve the country's economic development and the quality of life for the local population," says local community spokesperson Ha Thi Thu Nga.

Further information
Website SECO: Vietnam