- Vietnam unveils its first initiative integrating solar energy with agriculture.
- Agri-PV aims to run 10 pilot solar-agriculture models from 2025 to 2027.
- Project supports net-zero 2050 goals while improving rural regions.
Vietnam has initiated its first research project that integrates solar energy with agriculture, with the goal of boosting farmers' incomes while speeding up the nation's energy transition. The Agri-photovoltaics for rural regions in Vietnam (Agri-PV) initiative was officially announced in Hanoi on September 9 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ). This represents the initial farming project in the nation aimed directly at incorporating solar power into agriculture in rural areas.
At the launch, Pham Ngoc Mau, Deputy Director General of the ministry’s International Cooperation Department, emphasized the project’s twofold advantages. Combining solar energy with agriculture on the same land can provide significant financial benefits, promote gender equality, and assist farmers in improving their livelihoods while aiding Vietnam’s energy transition, he stated.
Nguyen The Hinh, the deputy director of the Agriculture Projects Management Board and director of Agri-PV, states that Vietnam’s solar industry has seen rapid expansion. The installed capacity rose from only 272MW in 2019 to over 16GW by the close of 2024. Forecasts indicate that solar capacity is expected to hit 22GW by 2030 and 168GW by 2050.
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The Agri-PV initiative aims to implement a minimum of 10 pilot models for solar agricultural facilities within its three-year rollout from 2025 to 2027. These pilots will offer essential information on how farmers can gain advantages from combining crop cultivation with solar energy production.
The initiative also seeks to enhance understanding among decision-makers and involved parties. At the end, it's anticipated that 65% of 20 essential policy and sector representatives will have enhanced their comprehension of the current status and future possibilities of agri-solar development in Vietnam. Supported and funded by GIZ, the Agri-PV initiative tackles both technical barriers and policy gaps.
Hinh stated that the initiative will evaluate the solar potential of Vietnam's agriculture, formulate appropriate development strategies, and provide consulting services to stakeholders. It will additionally assist in mobilizing resources to expand the model nationwide, in line with the country's pledges to a fair energy transition, achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and meeting the NDC 3.0 climate objectives.
According to Dr. Michaela Baur, Country Director, GIZ Vietnam, GIZ has been in the country for more than thirty years and has significant expertise with renewable energy and agricultural projects - especially huge support for implementing public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks. She indicated countries such as Germany, Thailand, India, and Brazil have tested agri-solar models providing valuable knowledge for developing countries.