Potential Assessment of Solar Energy for Electricity Development in Vietnam: Prospects, Scenarios and Proposals

Energy supply to meet the needs of socio-economic development is facing and will face many problems and challenges, especially the gradual depletion of domestic fossil fuel resources, fluctuating oil prices, and impacts of climate change on security and safety in energy supply … Therefore, step by step diversifying the energy supply and electricity sources based on the renewable energy sources that Vietnam has potential, Especially the sources of biomass, wind, solar … are considered as one of the sustainable development solutions. Based on these requirements, the national assessment of solar power on the development of grid-connected solar power projects in Vietnam until 2020, and the vision to 2030, is very important, clearly identifying the potential of solar energy nationwide, contributing to concretizing the implementation of the national renewable energy development strategy, socio-economic development planning of provinces and cities contributes to reducing regional environmental pollution and contributes to regional economic development objectives and role. The paper presents an overview of the theoretical, technical, economic and current potentials of solar energy exploitation and use through the application of Geographical Information System tools (GIS). Moreover, the authors will evaluate and analyze the ability to exploit and use solar energy to partially meet the energy needs of the provinces and cities. In this study, planning and scenario of exploiting and using solar energy of the province apply cluster analysis tool on GIS and proposing potential areas to prioritize solar power development nationwide.