The journey of renewable energy Vietnam began with pioneers who saw potential where others saw challenges. More than a decade ago, when the concept was still new to the nation, a dedicated team of engineers embarked on a mission to bring light to regions without grid electricity. This is the story of Vu Phong Energy Group, a company that started by developing essential off-grid solar kits and has since evolved into a market leader. Over 15 years, their commitment has not only illuminated remote communities but has also been instrumental in shaping the country’s clean energy landscape, demonstrating a profound legacy of experience, expertise, and a relentless drive toward a sustainable future for Vietnam.
Vu Phong Energy Group: A 15-Year Chronicle of Pioneering Renewable Energy in Vietnam
Founded on February 27, 2009, Vu Phong Energy Group emerged when the Vietnamese market was largely unfamiliar with renewable energy. The company’s core team of engineers took on the role of clean energy ambassadors, tirelessly researching and developing products like solar kits, charge controllers, and power converters. Their primary mission was to introduce and promote solar energy solutions to as many people as possible, with a special focus on individuals in remote, rural, and border areas disconnected from the national grid. This foundational work helped communities become acquainted with the reliability and benefits of solar power, opening up the very first off-grid solar market in the country.
From Off-Grid Solutions to an EPC Leader: A Decade of Growth
By 2013, as the solar energy Vietnam market began to embrace on-grid solutions, Vu Phong adapted and expanded its operations. The company started constructing on-grid solar systems, feeding clean electricity into the national grid. From its headquarters in Binh Duong, Vu Phong established representative offices in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, and even began exporting products internationally. A significant milestone occurred in 2017 when Vu Phong won bids for several Vietnam Electricity (EVN) projects, undertaking large-scale installations for military-owned companies at factories and on strategic islands like Truong Sa and Con Dao.
Mr. Phong, Pham Nam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vu Phong Energy Group, has been dedicated to delivering solar energy to disadvantaged areas since the company’s inception.
Between 2018 and 2020, Vu Phong experienced rapid growth in both the solar rooftop and solar farm segments. The company solidified its reputation not only as a leading EPC contractor in Vietnam but also as a premier provider of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) services, a feat achieved through strategic cooperation and technology transfer with major international firms like Bouygues and AC Renewable. Since 2020, Vu Phong Energy Group has become the top choice for international investment funds and large manufacturers. This was propelled by their pioneering of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model, a flexible framework that facilitates collaboration with investment funds to develop solar rooftop systems on factory rooftops, selling electricity directly to the businesses.
These efforts have fostered strong, enduring partnerships with customers and partners such as ecoligo, TotalEnergies, Shire Oak International, BayWa r.e., STEAG Energy Services GmbH (now Iqony Solutions), Vinamilk, Kem Nghia, and Duy Tan Plastics. These sustainable collaborations are all aligned with the shared goal of building a greener future.
A solar system at a Vinamilk factory, transferred and implemented by Vu Phong Energy Group in 2022.
Innovating for a Greener Future: Localization and High-Tech Vision
To keep pace with the market’s rapid evolution, Vu Phong relentlessly pursues innovation, focusing on the localization of the renewable energy industry. The company researches, develops, and optimizes products such as solar panel cleaning robots and advanced system monitoring solutions. A key element of this vision is the Vu Phong Tech Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturing and Research Center project in Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP). This center will continue the production of robots, cobots, and other high-tech AIoT products, leveraging the established ecosystem of manufacturing plants and industrial parks where Vu Phong has built its expertise over many years. This dedication to innovation is a core part of the founder’s vision to build a self-sufficient and advanced clean energy sector in Vietnam.
Further strengthening its capabilities, Vu Phong Energy Group has invested in associations with two highly experienced companies: Construction Joint Stock Company 47 (C47), with over 47 years of experience in water conservancy and hydropower construction, and PECC3, with over 43 years of expertise in energy design consulting. This showcases the company’s pioneering experience in renewable energy and its commitment to comprehensive project execution.
A perspective of the Vu Phong Tech Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturing and Research Center Project.
Looking back from its 15th anniversary on February 27, 2023, the journey from a small startup to a steadfast industry leader is remarkable. While many companies entered the market during its “boom” period only to withdraw, Vu Phong’s 15-year determination with clean energy has set it apart. Yet, this is just the beginning of a longer journey, guided by the leadership’s vision of “100 years of clean energy.”
As the Vu Phong story continues, the team of “solar warriors” will undoubtedly face new challenges. However, they are prepared to overcome them, guided by the core values of Vu Phong Human: Proactive with Challenge, Innovation & Creativity, Integrity, Collaboration, and Caring & Respect. This ongoing green journey is being written not just by the Vu Phong team, but also by its customers, partners, and soon, its shareholders, as the company sets its sights on going public. It is a beautiful story of a green journey, continuously unfolding.
Vu Phong Energy Group JSC
