Tiếng ViệtTowards the Goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050
Within the framework of the seminar titled “Clean Energy and Solutions to Reduce Electricity Costs for Citizens and Businesses” held on April 10, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc – Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade – announced that the City People’s Committee has officially approved the Project on Installing Rooftop Solar Power Systems at administrative offices, public service units, and agencies managing public assets across the city.
Accordingly, the project will deploy rooftop solar power systems at 438 public facilities, with a total installed capacity expected to exceed 43MW. The total investment is nearly VND 650 billion, sourced from public investment funds. The implementation will begin in 2025, following the completion of procedures for selecting design and construction contractors in accordance with regulations.
The Department of Industry and Trade stated that the payback period for the solar power systems is estimated at 5 to 7 years, thanks to reduced electricity expenses for the agencies and units involved. Pilot results in several districts, such as Phu Nhuan, Districts 4, 8, 10, and 12, have shown positive outcomes. For example, the Department of Industry and Trade, with a system capacity of 21kW and an investment of VND 550 million, has saved approximately VND 130 million in electricity costs annually. The People’s Committee of District 3 also reported an annual saving of VND 93 million with its 31kW system.
In addition to economic benefits, the project plays an important role in promoting a sustainable energy transition. Ho Chi Minh City aims to have at least 50% of its public office buildings equipped with rooftop solar power systems by 2030, with the goal of spreading the spirit of clean energy usage throughout society.
Ms. Kim Ngoc emphasized that the implementation of rooftop solar power systems is a concrete step taken by Ho Chi Minh City to realize its commitment at the COP26 Summit—achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
During the period from 2025 to 2030, Ho Chi Minh City aims to ensure that renewable energy accounts for at least 15% of the total installed capacity of the city’s power system, in alignment with the National Energy Development Strategy to 2030 with a vision toward 2045.
Removing Policy Barriers – Promoting Private Investment in Clean Energy
Mr. Bui Trung Kien, Deputy General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVNHCMC), stated that the city has managed over 14,000 rooftop solar power systems with a total installed capacity of approximately 350 MWp. However, since 2021, the development process has encountered significant obstacles due to the lack of a clear legal framework.
The issuance of Decree No. 58/2025/ND-CP dated March 3, 2025, on the development of electricity from renewable energy has helped resolve many issues, creating favorable conditions for nearly 500 major customers to register for new installations with a total capacity of approximately 46 MWp – equivalent to 15% of the capacity installed before 2021.
Several major enterprises, such as Samsung and factories located in the Southeast Industrial Park, are actively promoting the installation of rooftop solar power systems on their facilities. These efforts are expected to significantly boost solar power output in Ho Chi Minh City in the near future.
The investment in solar power systems for public buildings not only yields economic and environmental benefits but also plays a pioneering role, inspiring residents and businesses to participate in the clean energy transition. Ho Chi Minh City is demonstrating that, starting from initiatives within the public sector, a comprehensive renewable energy ecosystem can indeed be established and strongly developed in the near future.