Vietnam has launched its first agri-PV project in Ninh Thuan Province, integrating agriculture with solar energy. This innovative model combines energy generation with agricultural production, offering a dual-use approach that benefits both sectors.
Vietnam Agri-PV Project Launch in Ninh Thuan
Vietnam has launched its first agrivoltaic (agri-PV) project in Ninh Thuan Province, combining agriculture with solar energy production. The project is a collaboration between the French Innovation Research and Development Institute (IRD), the French Institute of Development Research (IDR), and the Ninh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to PV Magazine, the agri-PV project features a 20 kW solar installation on a 1,000-square-meter plot, located at the Ninh Thuan Fruits and Vegetables Research Center in Phan Rang City. The solar panels are raised 2.5 meters above the ground, allowing light to pass through and supporting the growth of crops like lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage. The solar panels are tilted between 10 and 14 degrees and have a gap of 1.5 to 2 meters between rows to ensure adequate sunlight for the crops. The system also includes a 10 kW battery energy storage system and a 5 kW inverter. This project aligns with Vietnam’s broader push for renewable energy, with ambitious plans to expand solar capacity to 16 GW by 2025, as outlined in a report by PV Know How.
Benefits of the Vietnam Agri-PV Project
Agri-PV projects offer a dual-use approach, allowing land to be used for both agriculture and energy production. This model provides an opportunity to generate renewable energy while continuing agricultural activities on the same plot of land. By integrating solar panels with farming, agri-PV projects can help reduce land-use conflicts and provide additional income streams for farmers. The Ninh Thuan project aims to demonstrate the potential of agri-PV systems in Vietnam and encourage wider adoption across the country. The project is supported by the French government and falls under the French-Vietnamese cooperation program.
Vietnam Agri-PV Project: A Growing Trend
Agri-PV projects are gaining popularity worldwide as a sustainable solution for balancing energy production with agricultural needs. These systems are particularly useful in regions where land is scarce or where there is competition between agriculture and renewable energy development. In Vietnam, the government has been promoting renewable energy as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security. The country has set ambitious targets for solar energy development, aiming for solar to represent 16% of its energy mix by 2030, as reported by PV Know How. Agri-PV projects like the one in Ninh Thuan could play a crucial role in achieving these goals, supplementing larger solar farm initiatives and contributing to a diversified renewable energy portfolio. For more information on Vietnam’s solar initiatives, visit PV Know How’s Vietnam Solar News archive.
Potential Challenges of the Vietnam Agri-PV Project
While agri-PV projects offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges to consider. The design of the system must ensure that crops receive enough sunlight for healthy growth. Factors like panel height, tilt angle, and row spacing are critical for optimizing light penetration and crop yield. Additionally, the initial investment costs for agri-PV systems can be high, which may deter some farmers from adopting the technology. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of agri-PV projects make them an attractive option for sustainable development. By combining agriculture with renewable energy production, agri-PV systems can help reduce carbon emissions, increase energy security, and provide additional income for farmers. As Vietnam’s solar sector continues to grow, with projects like TotalEnergies’ 310 kWp installation demonstrating the potential for industrial solarization, agri-PV offers a promising pathway for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape.
