BESS at forefront of nation's energy switch

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting amendments to Decree No.57/ND-CP on the DPPA mechanism between renewable energy generators, with several key directions.

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t a forum on improving policies for renewable energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS), organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week, experts noted that Vietnam is entering a decisive stage of its energy transition, with the country’s net-zero commitment now increasingly a practical requirement in international trade.

However, Nguyen Anh Tuan, vice president of the Vietnam Energy Association (VEA) said, “From the reality in industrial parks (IPs), the current greening process has not yet been approached as a systemic problem. This is not just about solar power, but about synchronisation between industrial policy, energy, and infrastructure.”

In this context, the direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) mechanism is regarded as a major step forward, though key obstructions remain.

Real-world cases in IPs such as Amata, Long Duc, and the eco-IP model of DEEP C Industrial Zones highlight strong demand for green electricity. Yet, the legal framework for “behind-the-meter” models remains restrictive, preventing self-generated electricity from being directly shared among businesses within the same IP.

DEEP C, for example, has developed an internal microgrid integrating wind power, rooftop solar, and energy storage systems. The system currently serves more than 180 enterprises, with consumption of around 65 million kWh per month, projected to have reached 780 million kWh annually in 2025.

Nguyen Nhu Thanh Thu, renewable energy head at DEEP C in Haiphong city, explained that the system is operated through an energy management system, ensuring no reverse transmission to the national grid and thereby reducing pressure on centralised power infrastructure.

“Technically, DEEP C has established an energy buffer zone that helps businesses mitigate risks related to electricity prices and supply disruptions,” Thu said.

Infrastructure ready