HCMC Installs Rooftop Solar on Public Administrative

In Ho Chi Minh City, administrative agencies and public service units will be permitted to install rooftop solar power systems. This is one of the mechanisms and policies recently approved by the National Assembly in Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City.

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HCMC to Install Rooftop Solar Power: A New Resolution

According to Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 on the piloting of several specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City, which was approved by the National Assembly on the afternoon of June 24, 2023, administrative offices, public service units, offices of agencies are identified as public property at Ho Chi Minh City, that have roofs that meet technical requirements may be used to install solar power systems. Soon, Ho Chi Minh City will have an additional on-site power source consisting of rooftop solar panels on administrative and non-commercial buildings.

The Potential of Solar Energy in HCMC

According to the “Rooftop solar power development project in Ho Chi Minh City until 2030” scheme of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, the potential for development and application of solar energy in Ho Chi Minh City is enormous, especially for rooftop solar power, which has a capacity of over 5,081 MWp. In the group of administrative and non-business agencies, which includes buildings under the People’s Committees of districts/wards/communities; buildings under the City Departments in the area; schools, training centers, hospitals, medical centers, theaters, sports halls, and cultural centers, the potential for rooftop solar power exceeds 166 MWp.

Mr. Mai, Phan Van, the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and delegates from the National Assembly approved the resolution on the afternoon of June 24th (Photo’s Source: Tuoi Tre News).

The Benefits of Rooftop Solar Power Systems

The installation of a solar power system on the headquarters of administrative agencies and public service units in Ho Chi Minh City for self-use will increase the local power supply, reducing the need for external power transmission. When rooftop solar power projects are implemented, the redundancy of the power system will increase, thereby contributing to the stability of the power system in the city, and safeguarding the city’s electricity supply. In addition to promoting the development of clean energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas CO2 emissions, and decreasing heat radiation for buildings, and also contribute to the trend of green growth and sustainable development of HCMC; consistent with the Government and City Leaders’ policy of developing renewable energy.

According to the “Rooftop solar power development project in Ho Chi Minh City until 2030” scheme, with more than 166 MWp, the potential of rooftop solar power in the group of administrative and non-business agencies represents only 3.27% of the City’s total rooftop solar power development potential. The groups with the greatest potential are households (62.34% with approximately 3,168 MWp) and production groups (31.28% with approximately 1,590 MWp), which include businesses, warehouses, etc. These two groups must also be prioritized to develope rooftop solar energy system for achieving emission reduction goals, carbon neutrality in the city.

According to some experts, now that the new Resolution has been approved, it is crucial to establish a procedure that facilitates the implementation, installation, and enforcement of this policy. This will also contribute to the realization of the National Power Development Master Plan VIII’s goal that by 2030, 50% of office buildings and 50% of residential houses in Vietnam will use self-generated and self-consumption.

Implementation of a financial mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon credit exchange and offset is another provision of the Resolution on piloting specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City. According to the Resolution, carbon credits generated by city-funded programs and projects under the carbon credit exchange and offset mechanism will be sold to domestic and foreign investors. 100% of the revenue from carbon credit transactions will be deposited into the city’s budget and used to fund climate change adaptation programs, green economy development, digital economy, and circular economy initiatives within the city’s jurisdiction.

The resolution includes 12 articles that outline pilot mechanisms and specific policies for the development of Ho Chi Minh City in areas such as investment management, finance, the state budget, urban management, and environmental resources, priority industries and occupations to attract strategic investors to the city, science and technology management, innovation, and the organization of the administrative apparatus of the City’s government and Thu Duc City. The resolution will be implemented on August 1st, 2023.

Vu Phong Energy Group

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