The Hanoitimes -  A solar energy network, funded by Germany at a cost of EUR1 million, was inaugurated in Hanoi o­n November 19, making it the first of its kind so far in Vietnam.

The network, installed o­n the roof of the Ministry of Industry and Trade office, is capable of generating 18,000 kWh annually, helping the ministry to save an estimated VND 12 million (roughly US$612) in power bills for the office.

The Governor of the German Baden-Wurrtemberg State, Stefan Mappus, said at the inauguration ceremony that the project was part of an overseas solar energy network development programme launched by the German Energy Company DENA in 2004. The move has received financial assistance from the German Ministry of Economy and Technology as an initiative to develop the use of renewable energy o­n a world scale.

So far over 30 such projects have been deployed in many countries, said the German representative.

He advised Vietnam to focus investment in solar and wind energy in order to tap its advantages of geographical position and extensive coastline.

“Technologically and financially strong German enterprises such as Altus AG are willing to enter into co-operation with Vietnam in developing green energy in the interest of environment,” he said.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Duong Quang said the project would help increase public awareness o­n energy savings and environmental protection.

He, however, acknowledged that the renewable energy development demands huge initial investment and high production costs, causing hurdles to the national effort in this regard.

Deputy Minister Quang, therefore, called o­n other domestic and foreign businesses to join hand with the Government in expanding the model to other Governmental offices to save energy and protect the environment.

The Government has encouraged public-private partnerships to invest in electricity industry, contributing to developing renewable energy, said the senior Government official.