Lesson 2: Businesses overcome "obstacles" on the green journey

In Vietnam's green transformation roadmap, to move from potential to reality, domestic enterprises are forced to overcome a series of "obstacles" such as: lack of human resources, dependence on technology, high investment costs and unsynchronized policy mechanisms.

In that context, proactive models of human resource training, technology localization and innovation promotion are opening up new and more solid directions.

"Stepping stone: energy transition

In the next 10 years, Vietnam can create from 1.6 to 1.9 million new jobs related to the renewable energy industry. In the period up to 2030 alone, there will be about 315,000 more job opportunities each year thanks to the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. This is an impressive figure, but it also puts great pressure on preparing a workforce with professional skills suitable for new needs.

According to Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science , Technology and Environment Ta Dinh Thi, the issue of green job transition and finding job opportunities related to renewable energy requires a comprehensive strategy and plan for training and transitioning high-quality human resources; ensuring the application and promotion of advanced achievements in science, technology, and new labor skills.

One of the typical models is the cooperation between the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and Ninh Thuan Vocational College in training human resources in the field of energy transition. Since 2010, GIZ has supported training in fundamental fields such as electricity, electronics and mechanics. Starting in 2021, a public-private partnership model has been implemented, with the participation of domestic and foreign private enterprises, and the support of the German government.

“Students will study and practice directly at renewable energy enterprises. Upon graduation, they will have a certificate equivalent to a German vocational degree, and can work domestically and internationally, meeting the requirements of approaching international experts,” said Mr. Nguyen Phan Anh Quoc, Principal of Ninh Thuan Vocational College.

According to Mr. Dang Thanh Nhan, Investment and Development Department, Thuan Binh Wind Power Joint Stock Company, the rate of graduates with jobs from the cooperative training model is currently over 85%, which is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the training strategy linked to practice. This is a valuable lesson to replicate for other vocationaltraining institutions across the country.

The key to reducing costs and increasing competitiveness

In fact, many scientific and technological solutions have been effectively implemented in Vietnam, contributing to optimizing energy use and reducing emissions in production and consumption. Some typical technologies include: using rooftop solar power in production, optimizing the operation of boilers and air compressors in large factories, or deploying energy-saving LED lighting systems in industrial parks and high-rise office buildings, etc.

These models not only help businesses save costs but also contribute to creating a technical foundation for green and sustainable energy conversion, in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

Former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung said that in the science development strategies from now until 2030, priority areas for training will include training human resources for construction and operation of wind power projects, manufacturing energy storage batteries, operating smart grids, etc.

Besides the human resource problem, mastering technology is also a decisive factor. Many domestic enterprises are gradually participating more deeply in the renewable energy supply chain, increasing the localization rate and promoting research and innovation.

A typical example is the photovoltaic panel cleaning robot product researched and manufactured by a Vietnamese enterprise. After three years of improvement and operation on a scale of 300MWp, this device has been deployed in many factories, buildings, and commercial centers, contributing to reducing costs, saving water and energy, and helping investors proactively maintain without having to depend on imported technology.

Vu Phong Energy Group Deputy General Director Pham Dang An emphasized, “A 5 or 10-year vision is not enough, renewable energy enterprises need the ability to predict and adapt quickly in each small stage. We cannot stay behind forever if we want to compete”. The cost of investing in renewable energy in Vietnam is still higher than many other countries due to the lack of mastery of core technology, dependence on imported equipment, lack of human resources and policies to support increasing local content are not attractive enough.

Ms. Vu Chi Mai, Director of the Clean, Affordable and Energy Security Project for Southeast Asian Countries (CASE Project in Vietnam) said: There needs to be a long-term strategy in R&D, localization development, encouragement and facilitation of participation of both state-owned and private enterprises in the supply chain, linking three parties: research, testing and market. At the same time, long-term policies, tax incentives, financial support and importantly, establishing a national policy on technology transfer in the energy sector must be one step ahead so that businesses can confidently invest long-term.

According to experts, Vietnam needs to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and promote cooperation to transfer technology. Because a just energy transition requires green technology, advanced new technologies related to areas such as offshore wind power; photovoltaic panels; batteries; carbon capture, use and storage.

From the perspective of state management, Mr. Nguyen Si Dang, Deputy Director of the Department of Technology Assessment and Appraisal, Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized: "Vietnam needs to develop national key technology development programs in the field of renewable energy, and at the same time establish a mechanism to support research and application of new technologies, attracting organizations and businesses to participate in the green innovation ecosystem".

Barriers in human resources, technology, and costs can become driving forces if properly recognized and effectively resolved. When businesses are capable, Vietnam can become a bright spot in renewable energy in Southeast Asia.

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Source: https://nhandan.vn/bai-2-doanh-nghiep-vuot-chuong-ngai-vat-tren-hanh-trinh-xanh-post888232.html