Project Title
This paper investigates the literature that is available on energy problem in Vietnam. According to sources, the energy sector in Vietnam has not been able to keep pace with the fast-growing population and industrial activities.
Problem Definition
Particularly, the area around Minh Mekong Delta has always lagged behind due to this energy crisis. In such a situation, introducing wind power as an alternative source will help the country introduce more sources of electricity. According to Nguyen (2007), “with 75 % of the population living in rural areas and about 20 % of them have not yet been provided with electricity…it is expected that Vietnam would have a prolonged electricity strain due to electrification, urbanization and population growth” (p. 1405). In this respect, it is purposeful to define the technical potential of the wind power, as well as how it can solve the energy problem in Vietnam. Because the introduction of alternative energy resources brings in both social and economic benefits, the technical potential of the wind power can also contribute to improving this problem (Hollander & Kahl, 2010, p 8).
Technical Review
Technical characteristics of the wind power in Mekong Delta are relatively good in comparison with the results in other countries (Nguyen, 2007, p. 1408).
In particular, the technical potential can be determined by dividing the given area with the density of the wind tribute provided that 1000h of full power. In this respect, its GW equals to 120.5, which is equivalent to 224 TWh of energy supply annually, which is 4 times higher as compared to the electricity supply in 2004.
Vietnam has developed a solid technological base for developing small wind turbine, which is considered one of the best solutions for the rural areas. What is more important, the wind power introduction has a good marketing potential. It should be pointed, however, that the current wind development does not fulfill its potential to a full extent due to lack of political support.
Design Recommendation
The most viable design will be to reserve the region around the delta for the generation of wind energy. This should be done by strategically erecting several wind driven generators such that they can rotate regardless of the direction of wind. Besides, the focus should be on getting funds to build wind energy plants in other regions.
In most cases, the starting capital for installations and initial operations could be too huge for average people to afford (Nguyen, 1405). That is certainly why it government involvement will be essential for adequate realization of the potential of wind energy. In addition, the government should seek partnerships with the private sector as this will ease the burden of funding every step of the exploitation.
This would put Vietnam back on track of sustainable development. Thus, they should significantly show deviation from the type of policy examples set by most of its neighbors that have proven unrealistic.
Overall, the exploitation of such renewable energy source as wind power can be significantly ameliorated in case the government sets a renewable energy production as the target. At this point, there should be a specific percentage of electricity supply coming from the alternative energy resources.
Setting a premium price for wind power is also indispensible for promoting the new kind of energy resources. Finally, introducing incentives and awareness campaign will also contribute greatly to effective exploitation of the wind power in Vietnam.
Reference List
Hollander, R, & Kahl, N 2010, Engineering, Social Justice and Sustainable Community Development, National Academy of Sciences, Washington.
Nguyen, KQ 2007, ‘Wind Energy in Vietnam: Resource Assessment, Development Status and Future Implications’. Energy Policy. vol. 35 pp. 1405-1413.