Norway willing to help Vietnam with energy transition: ambassador

Norway is willing to help state-owned Petrovietnam with energy transition and offshore wind power, said Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken.

In particular, Norwegian energy giant Equinor has great experiences in marine spatial planning and wind energy construction and supply, she said. In November 2023, leaders of Vietnam and Norway agreed to boost the cooperation in renewable energy, especially offshore wind power, the ambassador emphasized.

The embassy is willing to cooperate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to conduct high-level meetings and enhance their bilateral energy collaboration, the diplomat added.

Pham Tuan Anh, a member of Petrovietnam’s board of directors, said he appreciated Equinor’s capacities and noted Petrovietnam has conducted research projects related to offshore wind power and wind power export.

"However, as offshore wind power is a new sector, a clear legal framework and mechanism is needed for Petrovietnam to invest in this sector," he said.

Petrovietnam is willing to cooperate with Equinor in renewable energy, especially offshore wind power, to help Vietnam’s economic growth and energy security, Anh added.

In November 2023, Petrovietnam and Equinor signed an agreement on clean energy, extending their cooperation to hydrogen, ammonia, carbon capture and storage. Petrovietnam said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is a continuation of the MoU signed between the two sides in 2021.

In addition to the contents of the 2021 edition such as offshore wind power and other renewable energy sources, the two will expand their ties as both understand the carbon capture and storage and production of hydrogen and ammonia will play a key role in Vietnam’s energy transition and carbon reduction.