Vietnam Energy Storage Power

Sunita Dubey and Hyunjung Lee share how Vietnam is leveraging Battery Energy Storage Systems to stabilize their grid and accelerate the energy transition.

Vietnam is a dynamic developing economy with a relatively high growth rate. The energy sector plays a key role in promoting the country's socio-economic development. Vietnam has a diverse energy fuel resource of various types such as coal, natural gas, petroleum, hydropower and renewables such as solar and wind energy.

Integrating BESS into Vietnam's energy infrastructure demonstrates promising prospects for facilitating the nation's energy transition. By storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times, BESS can enhance grid flexibility, reduce emissions, and lower electricity costs.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by minimising the intermittency of renewables, enhancing grid flexibility, and ensuring reliable power supply. In a significant development, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has secured approval for its first pilot BESS project with a capacity of 50 MW/50MWh.

The declining cost of lithium battery cells, coupled with technological advancements, has made BESS increasingly affordable and accessible, according to Contemporary Amperex Technology, the world's largest battery manufacturer. Vietnam should capitalise on this trend to attract investment, create green jobs, and enhance energy security.

The variability of renewable energy sources, combined with the increasing demand often results in unreliable supply and frequent power shortages. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by minimising the intermittency of renewables, enhancing grid flexibility, and ensuring reliable power supply.