To alleviate carbon emissions, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) plans to invest 2.5 trillion VND (over $100 million) in installing rooftop solar PV systems on public agency buildings (including state administrative agencies and public service units), a total of 2,619 buildings will help reduce approximately 500 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
HCMC’s Department of Industry and Trade collected eligible buildings, and estimated that will produce 166,357 kWp, based on the roof area and installed capacity of solar panels.
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According to the HCMC government's plan, budgets for rooftop solar system installation come from both the government and private enterprises. Approximately 430 billion VND (about $18 million) from HCMC administrative budget will be allocated to government agencies, including administrative, military, political, and social organizations. Other buildings such as schools, hospitals, and parking lots that are classified as public assets, will be financed through corporate investments.
HCMC government aims to complete 50% of the installations by 2028, equivalent to an installed capacity of approximately 84,000 kW, and then evaluate the continuation of remaining projects.
HCMC is Vietnam's economic leader, generates around one-fifth of the country's total GDP, over a quarter of the country's budget revenue, and leads in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade volume among administrative units. Thus, HCMC is also the region with the largest greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam, total emissions are approximately 57.6 million tons per year, accounting for 23.3% of the country's total emissions, increased 50% within a decade. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) indicated that HCMC's carbon emissions were 38.5 million tons, constituting 16% of the country's total 10 years ago.
The same year, JICA also pointed out that 46% of HCMC's carbon emissions came from the consumption of electricity in buildings (including residential buildings, commercial buildings, government offices, and infrastructural constructions). JICA also estimated that by 2030, electricity consumption in commercial buildings in this city could reach 14 billion kWh, equivalent to nearly 12 million tons of CO2 emissions.
(Photo: EVN)
In 2021, HCMC has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% in 2030, and it is expected to be reduced by 30% if it gains more technical and financial assistance from international organizations.
