A virtual exhibition on technology cooperation in Vietnam’s bioenergy sector took place on 27 May 2021 in Hanoi. Participants included representatives of nearly 90 national and international universities, research institutes, development organisations, engineering and consulting companies, investors and project developers. During the half-day online event, the national participants were able to interact with leading technology solution and service providers from all over the world, as well as to exchange with international partners on transferring the latest biomass and biogas technologies to Vietnam. The virtual exhibition was organised within the framework of the BEM project, which is implemented by GIZ and the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority (EREA) of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOIT). BEM stands for Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Viet Nam. It is part of a concerted effort to draw attention to recent energy policy developments in Viet Nam, whereby newly implemented mechanisms aim to unlock the immense bioenergy potential in the agricultural resource-rich country and the desire for a greener energy supply.

As the agriculture sector plays an important role in Vietnam, there is huge potential for electricity and heat production through bioenergy. This potential stems from available biomass resources from post-harvesting and post-processing agro-forest residues and waste such as bagasse, straw and rice husks, and other agricultural/industrial by-products, as well as livestock waste for biogas. The BEM project supports the set-up of a sustainable market in this field.

“Today is just the first of many such activities that we are planning to support the transfer, adoption, and spill-over of high-end bioenergy technology into Viet Nam,” said Mr. Nathan Moore, Director of the BEM project. “Access to highest-quality technology that is fit-for-purpose can help to increase the efficiency of bioenergy projects and increase feasibility for project developers, in turn supporting the whole eco-system of operation and maintenance services in Viet Nam.”

After the event, follow-up business-to-business meetings will be organised for registered companies. A physical conference is scheduled to take place in Vietnam later this year, if travel regulations allow.