Though investment in wind power in Vietnam is slow, GE has expressed its belief in Vietnam’s wind power industry. Peter Cowling, GE’s general manager for renewable sales in the Asia Pacific explains the company’s confidence to VIR’s Mai Linh.
Many investors have registered for wind power projects in Vietnam, but to date only three have been realised with the others holding back until they see more support from the government. Do you think the wind power industry is currently attractive to investors?
It is increasingly attractive, and some projects already have the right conditions to be attractive to investors. But a modest tariff increase would see a significant increase in investment.
Is the slow pace of wind power development in Vietnam affecting GE’s business plan in terms of renewable energy in the country?
We are patient. We know Vietnam has many development priorities and has to find the right price for energy and the right way to fund the tariff. We believe a carefully paced expansion of wind energy is in Vietnam’s best interests.
In your opinion, how can private investment in this sector be encouraged?
Increasing the tariff would make a big difference.
At the workshop you gave a presentation on selecting the right technology for Vietnam. In your opinion what is the right technology for Vietnam-based wind power farms? Is there any difference in the technology between the Bac Lieu project that GE provided wind power turbines for, compared to say other projects outside Vietnam?
The right technology would be large rotor, small MW machines to make the most of Vietnam’s mid-speed but consistent conditions. These machines will not be unique to Vietnam, though the country will be very fortunate to take advantage of the very latest in wind turbine efficiency and grid-friendly features.
Could you share GE’s business plan for Vietnam’s renewable energy industry?
We plan to provide strong support to our clients – to share our wealth of knowledge from installing over 25,000 wind turbines globally. We believe we can help accelerate Vietnam’s adoption of renewable energy and help it to avoid the mistakes made by other countries.
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