Long term optimization of energy supply and demand in Vietnam with special reference to the potential of renewable energy

The expected strong growth of energy demand in Vietnam raises questions concerning the availability of resources and environmental degradation. This study aims at carrying out a long-term integrated energy planning for Vietnam with special reference to the potential of renewable energy. For this purpose, an assessment of the renewable energy potential was first carried out. The possible contribution of different energies was then investigated using the linear optimization model-MARKAL. Results from the study indicate that Vietnam has a good potential for renewable energy and renewable energy can contribute about 17% to the total primary energy supply by 2030. The study also shows that due to the strong development of energy demand, Vietnam would need to import energy after 2015, and it appears that coal would be the most cost-competitive to the energy system of Vietnam. Such a development significantly influences the environment, i.e. CO2 emissions increase more than 12.5 folds over 35 years.