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1. Introduction ???VN is relatively endowed with multiform renewable energy (RE) resources which are distributed through-out the country. They can be exploited for production of energy to meet rapidly increasing energy demand as well as environmental protection. ???Main RE resources in VN are small hydro power, biomass energy, wind energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy. ???So far, even the high potential of RE resources, their contribution in electricity production in Vietnam is still negligible. The Government of VN recognized important role of RE in sustainable energy supplying in general and electricity in particular for rural off-grid areas. oThe electricity Law require support to be provided to electricity generation from RE oDecision No. 110/2007/QD-TTg, it plans to install the grid connected RE with 4051 MW oDecision No. 1855/QD-TTg, it sets up the target with share of RE (3%-2010; 5%2020) ???MoIT has commissioned the preparation of Strategy, Master Plan on RE Development for the Period up to 2015 with Outlook to 2005, and first draft report has been prepared by Institute of Energy . Main contents of RE Master Plan ???Present status of RE development ???Evaluation of VN’s RE resource ???The potential role of RE in the National Energyenergy supply ??? demand balance ???RE strategy development ???Scenarios for RE development ???Strategy environmental assessment ???Investment program and Economic analysis ???Development RE policies and implementation measures ???Conclusions and recommendations 3. Assessment on potential of renewable energies ???Solar Energy oOver 100 solar measurement stations throughout the country oAverage solar radiation is 5 kWh/m2per day Average number of sunny hours is about 2000 ??? 2500 hours / year. ???Wind Energy oWind energy density: 800 ???1400 kWh/m2. year on islands o500 -1000 kWh/m2. year in coastal areas and highlands oOther areas: less than 500 kWh/m2. year. ???Biomass Energy oAgricultural residues is over 60 million tons (equivalent more than 10 million tons of oil). oTypes of biomass can be exploited at the industrial scale: rice husks; leaves, top of sugar canes & baggage; coffee husks and wood residues. ???Biogas energy Biogas resources: landfills, animal excrements, agricultural residues o80,000 biogas plants have been constructed oBiogas potential is about 10 billions m3/year. ???Small Hydropower Energy-Technical potential ; 4000 MW ???Geothermal energy and other types (tide, ocean waves… ) oPotential of geothermal energy resources: 200-340 MW. oThe renewable energy type such as tide and sea waves are in the stage of potential assessment. 4. Identify barriers and issues for RE development ???Policies/regulation and implementation measures ???Institution framework high cost (investment and product) ???CDM 5. Experience Advantages: ???Vietnam has larger potential and diversified RE resources ???Government set up development plan for Renewable electricity development & Bio-fuel ???Supporting strong from MoIT (development of RE Master Plan) Disadvantages and limitations: ???First new RE Master Plan in VN ???Financing is limited due to regulation ???Time is limited ???Inadequate database ???Lack of information, analysis, and assessment on potential RE resources, cost, and benefits of environment ???Lack of manpower