In the energy field, technology has always been a prioritized factor and developed early. This has been specified in many policies and programs from central to local levels. In recent years, energy enterprises have paid special attention to innovate technologies and equipment through importation, mastering new and advanced foreign technologies, especially for developing electricity sources, electric grids, controlling system – dispatching – information – telecommunication and power system.
According to a report by the Ministry of Science and Technology (S&T), the efficiency of applying S&T into the energy field is clearly demonstrated through the implementation of the Smart Grid Development Project, approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 1670/QD-TTg. Accordingly, up to now, EVN has completed the projects “Evaluation, analysis and proposing solutions to enhance the stability and reliability of the Vietnamese electricity system” and “Establish technical characteristics and standards for the configuration of protective relay systems, automation equipment for power plants and transformer stations of Vietnam’s power transmission system”, in order to enhance the stability and improve the efficiency of the dispatching electricity system.
Up to now, some work has been done including deploying to splice, testing, calibration, putting into operation the defect recording equipment/PMU at the transformer stations; installing hardware for 9 dispatch centers and software for 8/9 dispatch centers. In addition, 1 phase and 3 phase multi-functional electronic meters (smart electronic meters) have been successfully produced. Currently, Vietnam Electrical Equipment Joint Stock Corporation has invested in a production line to produce smart electronic meters with a capacity of 600,000 units/year at a 20% discount compared to the imported ones.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoang – Deputy Director of the Department of Technology Application and Development – Ministry of S&T- said, in order to be able to select, own as well as develop and localize technology /equipment in the energy sector, it is necessary to have the synchronization of the policy system as well as the participation of various ministries, branches and localities, especially businesses and investors.
“Over the past time, the Ministry of S&T has been making every effort in working with the relevant agencies to institutionalize the guidelines and policies of the Party and the State on S&T development and technology transfer, maximum removal of problems in practice to create the most favorable legal environment to promote technology transfer and innovation”- Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoang emphasized.
For example, in the S&T development strategy up to 2020, the Ministry of S&T has determined to focus on promoting research and mastery of equipment manufacturing technology for hydropower plants, medium and large capacity thermal power plants, research and application of new kinds of energy, renewable energy, as well as research on S&T solutions to use them economically and efficiently in the stages of electricity production, transmission and consumption. On that basis, the Ministry of Science and Technology has implemented lots of key research programs to solve technology problems in the energy sector.
According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoang, the implementation of Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW on the orientation of the National Energy Development Strategy of Vietnam to 2030, with vision to 2045 issued by the Politburo is an opportunity to comprehensively restructure the energy sector, from research and development (R&D) to investment in production, trade, and market not only for the domestic demand but also for exportation.
