Grid emergency aided by battery storage implementation
Rewritten Article:
⚡ jarring energy fluctuations and periodic outages are becoming common in Việt Nam, according to industry professionals. The primary culprit? A rapidly growing demand for electricity and a commitment to lower emissions by embracing greener energy sources.
To combat these issues, experts suggest battery energy storage systems (BESS) could be a vital step forward in the current solutions landscape. These systems can provide grid stability by reducing renewable intermittency, enhancing flexibility, and ensuring a consistent power supply.
In August of last year, Việt Nam Electricity (EVN) approved the nation's first-ever BESS pilot project, a 50MW/50MWh facility that teams up with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and the Việt Nam Energy Institute. This crucial project paves the way towards the government's aim of developing 300MW of energy storage by 2030, as outlined in the Eighth Power Development Plan (PDP8).
iphernal challenges when implementing BESS at scale. Building these systems might require substantial investment, which is a considerable barrier for widespread adoption. Technical integration into the grid is another complicated issue that necessitates a solid governance structure, which is still in development. Moreover, environmental concerns related to battery recycling and disposal need to be addressed.
EVN technicians carry out regular inspections of solar panels in a power farm in the southern province of Bình Thuận. - VNA/VNS Photo
Despite these hurdles, momentum is picking up due to domestic and international investment. For example, T&T Group has announced plans to enter the battery storage market in 2026. The project's initial phase will have an annual production capacity of 2GWh, expanding to 10GWh within three years. This manufacturing push is expected to fulfill future demand after battery pricing and installation regulations are clarified.
T&T Group, which already boasts a lucrative renewable energy portfolio of over 2,800MW across wind, solar, and LNG-to-power, is collaborating with prominent Chinese firms like GEDI, Goldwind, and Envision. These partners are providing support from initial research to construction and investment.
"Although renewable energy can pose certain challenges to the operation of the power system if deployed at a high proportion, the integration of storage batteries can address these weaknesses," T&T Group's Deputy CEO, Nguyễn Thị Bình, said. Bình is optimistic about the period from 2026 to 2030, believing it will usher in an era of strong growth for battery storage solutions in renewable energy projects.
The group aims to capture 40-50 per cent of the domestic market, with aspirations to export batteries to the United States, Europe, and regional neighbors. By 2035, T&T hopes to become Việt Nam's leading energy investor and rank among the top 50 in Asia, with a generation capacity of 16,000-20,000MW, predominantly from clean sources.
NEW VENTURE: VinFast Energy launches commercially operated BESS at Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang. Photo courtesy of VinFast
Meanwhile, Marubeni Corporation is also venturing into the battery storage sector. The company has launched a demonstration project in partnership with Vingroup, installing a VinFast Energy-developed BESS at one of Vingroup's resorts. This project intends to cut electricity costs by capitalizing on time-of-use rate differences, marking the beginning of a unique business model in Việt Nam.
Policy adjustments are fortifying investor confidence. The recently amended PDP8 raises targets for wind and solar, with projections for onshore and nearshore wind capacity reaching up to 38,000MW by 2030 and solar capacity growing to as much as 73,416MW. It's worth noting that the new plan mandates that all new utility-scale solar plants incorporate battery storage equivalent to at least 10 per cent of the plant's capacity for two hours of operation.
Independent energy consultant Phan Xuân Dương expressed his approval of these changes, describing them as an essential policy shift, steering away from a one-size-fits-all approach and introducing incentives that take regional and technical realities into account.
As the rollout of battery storage systems continues, industry insiders are hopeful that the challenges can be surmounted, paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient, and stable energy future for Việt Nam.
EVN technicians take a routine check on solar panels in a power farm in the southern province of Bình Thuận. VNA/VNS Photo
- The government's aim of developing 300MW of energy storage by 2030, as outlined in the Eighth Power Development Plan (PDP8), is a significant step towards addressing jarring energy fluctuations and periodic outages in Việt Nam.
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can not only provide grid stability but also enhance flexibility and ensure a consistent power supply, making them a vital step forward in current solutions.
- Environmental concerns related to battery recycling and disposal are challenging factors in implementing BESS at scale, requiring immediate attention.
- T&T Group, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, plans to enter the battery storage market in 2026, with an initial annual production capacity of 2GWh, expanding to 10GWh within three years.
- Policy adjustments, such as the amended PDP8, which raises targets for wind and solar and mandates utility-scale solar plants to incorporate battery storage, are fortifying investor confidence and steering the energy sector towards a cleaner, more resilient future.
- In collaboration with Chinese firms like GEDI, Goldwind, and Envision, T&T Group aims to capture 40-50 per cent of the domestic market, with aspirations to export batteries to the United States, Europe, and regional neighbors.
- Marubeni Corporation, in partnership with Vingroup, has launched a demonstration project, installing a VinFast Energy-developed BESS at one of Vingroup's resorts, marking the beginning of a unique business model in Việt Nam.
