Hi-tech enterprises from the US and Vietnam gathered at a workshop to seek ways to develop clean energy for smart city in Ho Chi Minh City on April 20.

The event was jointly organised by the Trade Office under the US Consulate Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon Hi-tech Park (SHTP).

Chief of the Office of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan said the city is seeking to reduce environmental impacts from abusing traditional energy sources.

It also aims to apply advanced technology in building a smart city, developing economics while raising the living quality of local residents, Hoan said, adding that the experience and technology of the US enterprises are crucial to the process.

According to a representative from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Vietnam has huge potential for developing clean and renewable energy. The demand for energy is expected to triple by 2030, therefore developing clean energy, particularly solar power, is necessary.

Sharing the view, Bryan Spear from the US Trilliant Inc underlined the need for exploring alternative energy sources, saying that Vietnam should also have a plan for effective energy use, particularly applying smart measuring technology to better manage electricity consumption.

Ho Chi Minh City has recorded an annual increase of 50 percent in solar power capacity, from 200kWp in 2013 to 1.5 MWp in 2016.

According to SHTP Head Le Hoai Quoc, the growth showed remarkable development of renewable energy in the city.

SHTP is home to two solar power projects, namely Intel Factory and the SHTP Office Building, producing 220kWp and 45kWp, respectively. Samsung group proposed to build a grid-connected solar power plant with a capacity of 20 MWp in the park.

During the event, a representative from the Trilliant Inc. shared with participants information on the pilot project to develop a smart electricity network in cooperation with the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation in SHTP. The network, completed in March, uses the internet of things (IoT)-based connection system.

Experts also shared experience in implementing the programme on low emission energy in Vietnam, direct electricity deal, developing small-scale solar power system, among others.