Following the first workshop on opportunities and challenges for the integration of rooftop PV into the national grid, GIZ and the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (ERAV) co-organised the “Viet Nam Academy Day” workshop on fostering research and application activities of smart grid in the country on Dec 3-4. 

The event brought a multi-dimensional approach on how to promote academic studies on smart grids and apply the studies. The participants overviewed several research activities by scholars from the Viet Phap University (USTH), Electric Power University (EPU) and ATS company as well as looked at the New Energy Nexus Viet Nam company’s model to incubate start-ups with initiatives about smart grid. From the German site, GIZ-assigned international consultants shared the C/Sells project, which explores the harmonization of network operation between transmission system operators (TSO), distribution network operators (DSO) and consumers/generators. 

The participants then engaged in an in-depth discussion on finding solutions for such issues as necessary mechanisms to boost innovation and startup on smart grid, the adjustment of legal frameworks to minimize hurdles for proof-of-concept/pilot phase, companies’ expectations of researchers, methods to tighten links among scholar community, the private sector and EVN as well as the support of policymakers in the application process.

Both scholars and policymakers were interested in the discussion as this form of forum brought research closer to EVN’s subsidiary entities. They could talk about opportunities, challenges and solutions to realise more research on smart grid and energy efficiency.

The workshop was ended with a one-day field trip to the Da Nang Power Company, the Central Regional Load Dispatch Centre (A3) and the Center of Electronic Measurement Equipment (under EVNCPC).

Attending the event were representatives from subsidiary entities under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises, the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), load dispatch centers, experts from the University of Science and Technology (HUST), Electric Power University, Hue University, Da Nang University – University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Energy Science (IES), private companies and investors.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Minh – Deputy Director of Power system department under ERAV and Mr. Markus Bissel – Director of GIZ Viet Nam’s Smart Grids for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SGREEE) Project hosted the event.

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Visit Smart Grid Viet Nam Knowledge Hub or ESP’s website to know more about the SGREEE project.

Take a look at some highlights of the event: