Ho Chi Minh City is set to invest nearly 650 billion VND (over USD 25.2 million) to install rooftop solar power systems at 438 public administrative facilities, according to Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.
Speaking at a seminar on clean energy and electricity cost reduction for citizens and businesses, Ngoc confirmed that the city’s People’s Committee has approved the initiative, which targets administrative agencies, public service units, and offices classified as public assets.
The rooftop systems will have a combined capacity exceeding 43 MW. Contractors for the project will be selected after receiving in-principle approval from the municipal authorities, Ngoc added.
The project aims to promote clean energy adoption, reduce greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions, and mitigate heat radiation in buildings—aligning with Vietnam’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged at the COP26 Conference.
Ngoc noted that the city’s energy strategy aims for renewable sources to account for at least 15% of the electricity system’s maximum capacity between 2025 and 2030. This aligns with the national energy development roadmap through 2030, with a vision to 2045.
By 2030, the city also aims to equip at least 50% of its office buildings with rooftop solar panels to enhance electricity supply stability, she said.
According to the Department of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City has the potential to generate approximately 5,081 MW from rooftop solar systems by 2030. Of this, more than 166 MW could be sourced from administrative and public service buildings.
Bui Trung Kien, Deputy General Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVNHCMC), noted that prior to 2021, the city had already managed over 14,000 rooftop solar systems with a total capacity of around 350 MWp.
He added that solar power generation is expected to rise significantly in the near future, as major enterprises and factories, particularly in the Southeast Industrial Park, continue to install rooftop systems.
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