The German government is willing to share with Vietnam its experience in developing renewable energy, Minister of Economics and Technology Philipp Roesler said. Mr. Roesler made the statement at a meeting with Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh in Hanoi on Sept 18. In Germany, renewable energy accounted for 20%-25% of the country’s total energy consumption, he noted, adding that the European nation has much experience in developing the source. Vietnam has built a national environment protection strategy till 2020 with a vision to 2050 to increase the percentage of new and renewable energy in the country’s total energy sources to 5% in 2020 and 11% in 2050. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular in many countries, especially in developing countries such as Vietnam. Realizing the importance and benefits of sustainable sources of energy and facing increasing demand for power, Vietnam decided recently to devote more to studying, surveying, and encouraging and supporting foreign and domestic firms wishing to invest in renewable energy projects. Vietnam has exploited a mere 800 MW of electricity from renewable energy of biomass power, solar power, wind power, biogas, garbage and small hydropower plants so far despite its huge potential. (Saigon Giai Phong –Saigon Liberation Sept 19 p2, nhandan.com.vn Sept 18)
