Royal HaskoningDHV focuses on renewable energy development in Vietnam

Dutch engineering consultancy firm Royal HaskoningDHV is expecting a massive investment increase in renewable energy in Vietnam, and plans to focus on the sector.

“The PDP VIII signifies the first step towards a greener future, where the energy needs of a growing population are met with minimal impacts on the planet. We’re excited to play a part in helping the government achieve its goals, and look forward to seeing what the future will hold,” the Dutch company said in an online statement.

The newly-approved national Power Development Plan 8 (PDP VIII) is a detailed roadmap that will transform the country’s energy sector and help it achieve its long-term goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Royal HaskoningDHV is anticipating opportunities to contribute to projects designed for the cleaner energy transition. It expects one of the major growth areas to be the development of import terminals for liquid natural gas (LNG).

“LNG is the cleanest non-renewable energy resource currently available and plays a key role in energy transition.

“Over the last 20 years, we’ve helped plan and design marine facilities for more than 100 LNG terminals, using the latest digital technologies and our in-depth knowledge of engineering and local markets,” the company said.

PDP VIII, approved by the Vietnamese government on May 15, says Vietnam needs $134.7 billion of funding to develop new power plants and grids between 2021 and 2030. The 2031-2050 period will require $399.2-523.1 billion in funding, with $364.4-511.2 billion for generation and $34.8-38.6 billion for transmission.

The plan aims to ensure energy security, prioritizing the development of renewable energy. The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) said the plan facilitates a smooth transition towards equitable and sustainable energy systems, aligning with global trends towards greener practices and the need to reduce emissions.

It marks a milestone for sustainable energy development and increased international investment in the country, the chamber said on May 16.

Royal HaskoningDHV claims it already has a strong presence in Vietnam with more than 200 staff located there since 1985. In recent years, the Dutch firm has been involved in several major infrastructure and energy projects, including the LNG import terminals at Son My in the south-central coastal province of Binh Thuan and Thi Vai near Ho Chi Minh City, the Nghi Son petrochemical refinery complex in the central province of Thanh Hoa, and a number of wind farms and container terminals.