All seem to be awaiting a strong enough “push” to create a breakthrough in the development of this environmentally friendly energy sector.
Enormous potential
Numerous studies by domestic and foreign scientists have confirmed that Viet Nam possesses immense potential for developing offshore wind power. Wind resources across Viet Nam’s seas, especially the East Sea/South China Sea, are both high and continuous.
According to the Hydrometeorological Forecasting Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and the Ninh Thuan–Vung Tau region have an average technical wind power potential of around 500W/m². Preliminary studies show that Viet Nam’s EEZ offers a developable offshore wind area of more than 300,000km², with a total technical potential of over 1,000GW. Nearshore waters alone could yield approximately 58GW.
The World Bank (WB) has also conducted various studies into Viet Nam’s offshore wind technical potential, identifying 14 preliminary zones suitable for wind farms. These zones could deliver an estimated 6GW of power by 2030 and 40GW by 2040, in alignment with the national power planning roadmap.
Dr Du Van Toan from the Viet Nam Environmental and Marine Sciences Institute (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), who has researched offshore wind for many years, notes that countries such as those in Northern Europe, the US, and China have developed offshore wind farms for decades. Notably, China’s current offshore wind capacity stands at approximately 40–50GW, several GW higher than in Europe and many times greater than in the US.
In addition to the Net Zero goal, offshore wind power presents other advantages. It does not occupy large land areas, creates no noise pollution, helps alleviate pressure on power supplies for the economy, and reduces the burden on traditional energy sources. With Viet Nam’s vast maritime potential, utilising offshore wind for commercial purposes is not unfeasible.
The technical challenges of installing and operating offshore wind turbines are no longer an issue thanks to the development of advanced science and technology. Modern offshore turbines typically use horizontal- or vertical-axis blades, offering high generating capacity and long operational life. However, the cost—up to tens of millions of USD per turbine—makes them accessible only to select investors. Given their average lifespan of 35 years, investors place high importance on thorough research and strong commitments to wind power usage.
Challenges to overcome
According to Stuart Livesey, Viet Nam Country Director of Danish energy group Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), the global offshore wind sector has created around 300,000 jobs during the development and construction phase and approximately 22,000 jobs during the operational period over the past 20 years.
In Viet Nam, despite years of preliminary research, renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, has not yet received adequate attention. However, the sector gained real momentum with the adoption of Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW dated October 22, 2018, on “the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Viet Nam’s Marine Economy to 2030, with a Vision to 2045.”
The 2024 Electricity Law and the revised National Power Development Plan (Power Plan VIII) allow for up to 139GW of offshore wind power capacity by 2050. Its estimated market value at that point could reach 420 billion USD. At present, most estimations of offshore wind potential remain preliminary, based on long-term meteorological and oceanographic observations, small-scale wind surveys, ocean-meteorological data, and a 12-month environmental study by the WB.
While this data has provided a relatively clear picture of offshore wind potential, detailed geophysical and geotechnical assessments across the offshore zone remain lacking. Security, defence, and maritime safety considerations also require further attention. This indicates that much work remains to be done for offshore wind power to emerge as a major economic sector and a cornerstone of Viet Nam’s Net Zero journey.
To realise this ambition, a decisive and detailed roadmap is essential. Authorities must define development boundaries, modernise ocean monitoring systems, conduct in-depth economic and market studies on offshore wind, and broaden research into other marine energy sources such as wave and tidal power. Mechanisms for sharing ocean-meteorological data should be established, and offshore wind research findings should be incorporated into national electricity planning.
The transition from traditional to green energy is a growing global trend under the Net Zero commitment. International models demonstrate that offshore wind brings undeniable benefits: it fosters economic development, strengthens energy security, and supports Viet Nam’s pledge at COP26 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
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