The Hanoi Times - Improving the use of renewable energy is o­ne of the ways to protect the environment and ensure energy security in a period dominated by the dramatic effects of global climate change, according to vice chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Nghiem Vu Khai.

Speaking at a seminar o­n new sources of energy held by the Ministry of Science and Technology yesterday, Khai said that among the countries hardest hit by global warming, Viet Nam had already felt the effects, which have accumulated for the past century.

"What has happened, has happened. Now, we have to learn how to live with it and minimise emissions to protect the earth, our common home," said Khai.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Lang said: "It’s time we thought about using renewable energy. Fossil energy sources are running out, we have no other choice but try our best to utilise available energy."

So far, more than 94 per cent of rural households could access the national grid, said Lang.

"However, instead of spending billion of dong bringing wires to remote areas and islands, we can utilise renewable energy sources and save a lot of money," he said.

Experts agreed at the seminar that solar energy was the biggest renewable source that the country should focus o­n.

"With half of the country bathed in sunshine almost all the year around, all we need is to tap that source and allocate it locally. That’ll be much more economical," he said.

Recognising the importance of renewable energy in the country’s development, the Government has created favourable conditions by offering tax breaks and supporting land clearance.

According to Khai, the National Assembly is working to approve the Law o­n Energy Saving and Efficiency by the middle of next year to create a better legal framework for energy businesses, especially those providing and using environmentally-friendly products.

Khai also said that the key point for the Government to reach its energy targets and sustainable economic development was to invest more in increased technological development.

Deputy director of the Energy Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade Le Tuan Phong suggested that the Government invest more in R&D activities. The Government should also set up organisations responsible for renewable energy surveying and planning.

It should also encourage the use of renewable energy in remote areas and islands and set up suitable institutions for maintaining and developing renewable energy based power sources in these areas, said Phong.

Chief Representative of Cenergy Power Nguyen Trong Nguyen said that training was o­ne of the most important jobs that the Government should consider.

"If the Government pays adequate attention, I believe Viet Nam can be a leader in the field of solar energy among ASEAN countries in the next two to three years," said Nguyen.