Vietnam has launched its pioneering first agri-PV project in Ninh Thuan Province, an innovative model that integrates agriculture with solar energy. This dual-use approach combines clean energy generation with sustainable crop production, offering significant benefits to both sectors.
Vietnam Agri-PV Project Launch in Ninh Thuan
In a significant development for Vietnam’s renewable energy sector, the country’s first agrivoltaic (agri-PV) project has been launched in Ninh Thuan Province. This initiative 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 project features a 20 kW solar installation on a 1,000-square-meter plot at the Ninh Thuan Fruits and Vegetables Research Center. Its solar panels are raised 2.5 meters above the ground, tilted between 10 and 14 degrees, and spaced 1.5 to 2 meters apart to ensure crops like lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage receive adequate sunlight. 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 and its 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’s dual-use approach allows the same land to be used for both agriculture and energy production. By integrating solar panels with farming, this model helps reduce land-use conflicts and provides new income streams for farmers. The Ninh Thuan project, supported by the French government under the French-Vietnamese cooperation program, aims to demonstrate the potential of these systems and encourage wider adoption across the country.
Vietnam Agri-PV Project: A Growing Trend
This launch is part of a growing global trend, as agri-PV projects gain popularity worldwide as a sustainable solution for balancing energy and agricultural needs, particularly in regions with scarce land. In Vietnam, the government is actively promoting renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security. The country has set an ambitious target for solar to make up 16% of its energy mix by 2030, as reported by PV Know How. This latest agri pv news highlights how projects like the one in Ninh Thuan could play a crucial role in achieving this goal by supplementing larger solar farms. For more information and ongoing updates 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, they also present certain challenges that require careful planning. System design is critical, as factors like panel height, tilt angle, and row spacing must be carefully balanced to ensure crops receive enough sunlight. High initial investment costs may also deter some farmers from adopting the technology. Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits make agri-PV an attractive option for sustainable development. By combining agriculture and renewable energy, these systems can help reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy security, and provide new 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 toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape.
