Pacifico Energy, EDF eye energy investments in Vietnam

U.S.-based Pacifico Energy (PE) and France’s EDF have expressed strong interest in investing in Vietnam’s offshore wind and nuclear power sectors, respectively, as the country faces rising energy demands to support economic growth.

The proposals were presented during their talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Wednesday.

PE chairman Nate Franklin stated that the company is committed to expanding its investments in Vietnam’s energy sector, including multi-billion-USD offshore wind projects.

He emphasized that PE aims to introduce advanced solutions to help Vietnam enhance energy security, attract high-tech foreign direct investment (FDI), develop the semiconductor industry, supply power to data centers and AI training hubs, and drive fast and sustainable economic growth.

In response, PM Chinh encouraged PE to increase its investments and partner with Vietnamese businesses in the green transition, clean energy, and renewable energy sectors, particularly offshore wind and solar power.

He also urged the company to invest in Vietnam’s electricity grid and transmission infrastructure to strengthen the country’s energy security.

PE is among the leading U.S. investors in Vietnam’s renewable energy sector. In 2019, the company completed a 40 MW solar power project in the central province of Binh Thuan. It is also developing a 30 MW wind power project in the southern province of Ben Tre, which is expected to become operational in 2025.

During a separate discussion with PM Chinh, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet affirmed that electricity producer EDF intends to continue expanding its cooperation and investment in Vietnam’s energy sector, particularly in renewable energy and nuclear power projects.

The Vietnamese leader noted that Vietnam has restarted investment plans for the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plants in the central province of Ninh Thuan. He added that multiple partners have expressed interest in collaborating with Vietnam on nuclear energy development.

Vietnam will prioritize partners that commit to working alongside Vietnamese investors in technology transfer throughout the project development, Chinh stated.

The Prime Minister also called on France, and EDF in particular, to support Vietnam in developing policies and regulatory frameworks for nuclear power development.

He suggested exploring cooperation in human resource training, providing preferential financing for nuclear power projects, and investing in production of electrical equipment and supporting industries for Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector.