As one of the five countries most vulnerable to climate change (CC) globally, Vietnam pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). According to a 2022 report by the German Development Agency (GIZ), Vietnam possesses abundant solar energy resources, with an average total solar radiation of approximately 5 kWh/m²/day in central and southern provinces and about 4 kWh/m²/day in northern provinces. Vietnam has issued numerous policies promoting solar power (SP) and renewable energy (RE). Notably, the National Power Development Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, outlines extensive development of solar power. However, the growth of solar power is expected to generate thousands of tons of solar panel waste during 2035–2050. This paper analyzes the current status, international experience, and proposes policy directions for solar power development and solar panel waste management to support sustainable development.
1. Introduction
Vietnam is among the five countries most vulnerable to climate change (CC) globally and is increasingly experiencing direct impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns. According to preliminary estimates by the World Bank in 2022, the Vietnamese economy currently suffers approximately $10 billion in damages annually—equivalent to 3.2% of GDP—due to CC impacts. Without appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures, the estimated economic impact of CC could reach 12% to 14.5% of GDP per year by 2050. At COP26, Vietnam pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The energy sector has introduced numerous carbon reduction policies, including the Politburo’s Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW (2020), and Prime Ministerial Decisions No. 896/QĐ-TTg (2022), No. 888/QĐ-TTg, and No. 500/QĐ-TTg, approving the National Power Development Plan VIII. Additionally, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 876/QĐ-TTg on July 22, 2022, approving the Action Program for Green Energy Transition, Carbon Emission Reduction, and Methane Reduction in the Transport Sector. This program aims to develop a green transportation system operating entirely on electricity or green energy by 2050, aligning with Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target. In December 2022, Vietnam further reinforced its commitment by joining the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
According to statistics, Vietnam’s average total solar radiation reaches approximately 5 kWh/m²/day in central and southern provinces and about 4 kWh/m²/day in northern provinces. South of the 17th parallel, solar radiation is not only abundant but also stable throughout the year. The annual sunshine duration in northern regions ranges from 1,500 to 1,700 hours, while in central and southern regions, it reaches 2,000 to 2,600 hours. Overall, solar radiation in northern provinces is about 20% lower than in central and southern provinces, and it is unevenly distributed throughout the year. During winter and spring, prolonged drizzle reduces solar radiation to an insignificant level of only 1–2 kWh/m²/day, posing challenges for solar power installation. Meanwhile, southern provinces enjoy year-round, stable sunlight, even during the rainy season.
Consequently, the development of solar power is an inevitable trend, not only for Vietnam but also for countries worldwide in their pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050. This article provides a preliminary analysis of the current status and proposes policy directions for solar power development in Vietnam.
2. Solar Power Development Policies in Vietnam
In recent years, the Party and the State have prioritized the development of renewable energy (RE), including solar energy policies. In 2016, Decision No. 428/QĐ-TTg, which approved adjustments to the National Power Development Plan for 2011–2020 with a vision to 2030, explicitly outlined the development of solar power sources. These include both large-scale, ground-mounted installations and distributed rooftop systems. The goal of the decision was to increase the total installed solar power capacity to approximately 850 MW by 2020 and around 12,000 MW by 2030.
To promote the development of renewable energy (RE), including solar power and other energy sources, the National Assembly passed the amended Electricity Law in 2024. This law specifically introduces a new Chapter III focused on RE, aimed at supporting socio-economic development, ensuring national security and energy security, and accelerating the exploration and utilization of RE sources. Additionally, Article 16, Clause 1 of the Investment Law 2014 stipulates mechanisms and preferential policies for developing RE, including solar power. Under this framework, investments in the production of new energy, clean energy, and RE are classified as incentivized sectors.
To bring these policies to fruition, the Government and the Prime Minister have issued several documents supporting the development of solar energy sources. A notable example is Decision No. 2068/QĐ-TTg, which approved the “Strategy for Renewable Energy Development in Vietnam until 2030 with a Vision to 2050.” This strategy encourages the development and utilization of new energy sources and includes financial support mechanisms for pilot research, production, and model construction in RE. It also offers exemptions and reductions on import, production, and circulation taxes for machinery, equipment, and spare parts used in RE development.
Moreover, the strategy emphasizes the synchronized and rational development of the energy system, encompassing electricity, oil, gas, coal, and new and renewable energy. Special attention is given to clean, new, and renewable energy development, aligning with long-term sustainability and energy security goals.
In addition to issuing the Renewable Energy Development Strategy, the Government and relevant authorities have implemented policies to encourage the transition to clean energy. These include:
- Macroeconomic policies that promote the formation of a renewable energy market.
- Financial policies offering tax and fee incentives.
- Awareness and information dissemination policies to enhance public understanding and engagement.
On April 11, 2017, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 11/2017/QĐ-TTg, establishing mechanisms to encourage the development of solar power projects in Vietnam.
Recognizing the importance and benefits of renewable energy amid growing electricity demand to support economic development, the Government has introduced policies to encourage and support both domestic and foreign investors in renewable energy projects. These measures include price subsidies and other financial incentives. Notably, solar power projects are offered the highest preferential purchasing price of 2,174 VND/kWh.
In principle, organizations and individuals involved in developing clean and renewable energy are eligible for non-price incentives, such as tax exemptions, financial support, and land-use preferences for building facilities that utilize renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources. For instance, various economic sectors are facilitated to invest in renewable energy projects that minimize environmental pollution, particularly in rural, mountainous, and island areas. The Government also encourages investments in constructing electricity grids and power stations that utilize renewable energy.
In addition, Decision No. 11/2017/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister reflects the Government’s perspective on offering incentives to investors in solar energy (SE) projects. Investors are entitled to investment incentives related to various issues. Following this Decision, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular No. 16/2017/TT-BCT on September 12, 2017, detailing regulations on project development and standard power purchase agreements (PPAs) applicable to grid-connected solar energy projects or grid-tied solar power. The Circular specifies the planning and development of solar power projects; the electricity selling prices for grid-connected and rooftop solar power projects; standard PPAs for grid-connected and rooftop solar power projects; and responsibilities of relevant organizations and individuals. It can be said that Circular No. 16/2017/TT-BCT has helped to make investment procedures for solar energy development more transparent, promote investment in solar energy, supplement electricity capacity to the power system, and increase the proportion of renewable energy in the future. At the same time, it ensures energy security, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, protects the environment, and fosters sustainable development.
Moreover, investors and contractors in solar power projects enjoy incentives such as corporate income tax reductions, exemptions on import duties for solar equipment, and land use or lease fee reductions or exemptions in accordance with current investment regulations. To further promote solar energy development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision No. 2023/QD-BCT on July 5, 2019, approving the Program for Promoting Rooftop Solar Development in Vietnam for the 2019–2025 period, aiming for the participation of approximately 100,000 households. Under this program, solutions are proposed to develop the rooftop solar technology market in Vietnam, encouraging organizations and individuals to invest in this sector with subsidy mechanisms. Each household is supported with 3 to 10 million VND when installing rooftop solar systems.
On May 15, 2023, the Government issued Decision No. 500/QD-TTg, approving the National Power Development Plan for the 2021–2030 period with a vision to 2050 (Power Plan VIII). Accordingly, by 2030, with a total installed capacity of 150,489 MW, solar energy will account for 12,836 MW (8.5%); by 2050, with a total capacity of 490,529–573,129 MW, solar energy is expected to reach 168,594–189,294 MW (33.0–34.4%), about 15 times the capacity in 2030. Mechanisms and policies promoting the development of solar energy in general, and self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar energy in particular, within Power Plan VIII are crucial for mobilizing societal resources to promote renewable energy development. This aligns with public and business aspirations, reduces the investment pressure on the state for power source development, and importantly supports the development of renewable energy with storage systems. This serves as a foundation to promptly adjust the structure of power sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuel energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions in line with commitments made at COP26.
3. Risk of Solar Panel Waste
3.1. Solar Panel Waste Worldwide
In 2017, approximately 430,500 tons of solar panel waste were generated worldwide [5]. The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimate that by 2050, landfills could contain between 60 and 78 million tons of waste from solar panels. Since all solar panels contain a certain amount of hazardous materials, this could become an unsustainable method of energy production.
At the European Union (EU) level, solar panels are an exception as they are classified as electronic waste. Therefore, in addition to the existing legal frameworks, specific regulations govern the handling of used solar panels.
The surge in solar panel waste from 2016 to 2050 is projected to increase several thousandfold for many countries. In Japan, waste is expected to increase by 1,000 times, while in China, it is estimated to grow nearly 3,000 times (Table 1).
Table 1. Potential Solar Panel Waste Worldwide (Unit: tons)
Table 1. Potential Solar Panel Waste Worldwide (Unit: tons)
Country | 2016 | 2020 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Japan | 7,000 | 15,000 | 200,000 | 1,800,000 | 6,500,000 |
China | 5,000 | 8,000 | 200,000 | 2,800,000 | 13,500,000 |
India | 1,000 | 2,000 | 50,000 | 620,000 | 4,400,000 |
Germany | 3,500 | 20,000 | 400,000 | 2,200,000 | 4,300,000 |
Italy | 850 | 5,000 | 140,000 | 1,000,000 | 2,100,000 |
France | 650 | 1,500 | 45,000 | 400,000 | 1,500,000 |
United Kingdom | 250 | 650 | 30,000 | 350,000 | 1,000,000 |
United States | 6,500 | 13,000 | 170,000 | 1,700,000 | 7,500,000 |
Canada | 350 | 700 | 13,000 | 150,000 | 650,000 |
Australia | 900 | 2,000 | 30,000 | 300,000 | 900,000 |
South Africa | 350 | 450 | 8,500 | 150,000 | 750,000 |
Source: GIZ, 2022 (5)
According to the calculations in report [5] by the German Development Agency, 96,000 tons of waste from solar modules will be generated globally by 2030, and approximately 86 million tons by 2050 (Figure 1), representing an increase of around 90 times.
3.2.Solar Panel Waste in Vietnam
The proportion of installed solar power capacity in Vietnam’s total installed power system capacity during the 2019–2020 period was significant (Figure 2). The total installed solar power capacity nationwide in 2021 reached 16.6 GW [5].
According to Power Development Plan VIII, the goal is to strongly develop renewable energy sources for electricity generation, targeting a share of approximately 30.9–39.2% by 2030. By 2050, the share of renewable energy is expected to increase to 67.5–71.5%. Specifically, solar power capacity is projected to reach 20,591 MW by 2030 and 189,000 MW by 2050, producing between 252 and 291 billion kWh of electricity annually.
Thus, by 2050, solar power is envisioned to become the largest power generation source, accounting for more than 38.5% of the total capacity of all power sources in Vietnam.
At present, most solar power plants in Vietnam are installed from Thanh Hoa province to the southern region, with each plant having a capacity ranging from under 50 MW to over 100 MW. To date, solar panels have developed across three main technologies:
i) Monocrystalline silicon (c-Si);
ii) Amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), and cadmium telluride (CdTe);
iii) Nanocrystals, dye-sensitized solar cells, and organic photovoltaic cells.
The majority of solar power projects in Vietnam utilize (c-Si) and (poly-Si) panels. According to the report by the National Steering Committee on Power Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), by the end of 2019, the total capacity of solar power projects added to the national plan had reached 10,300 MW.
Preliminary calculations by the Institute of Energy estimate that solar power projects could reach approximately 10,000 MW in 2020, exceed 14,000 MW by 2025, and potentially reach 20,000 MW by 2030. With the lifespan of each photovoltaic (PV) panel ranging from 20 to 30 years, it is estimated that by 2050, the volume of discarded PV panels in Vietnam will reach nearly 3 million tons.
Table 2. Projected Total PV Panel Waste from 2035 to 2050
Year | Total Waste (tons) | Material Composition (tons) |
---|---|---|
Glass | Aluminum (Al) | |
2035 | 0.864 | 0.55 |
2040 | 1,080 | 685.00 |
2045 | 1,512 | 959.00 |
2050 | 2,160 | 1,370.00 |
Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Technology – Hanoi University of Science and Technology, 2022, Study on Proposing Solutions for Managing and Treating Waste Solar Panels
Table 3. Solar Panel Waste from Manufacturing Facilities in Vietnam
No. | Factory Name | Capacity | Average Power (W) | Annual Panel Production (*) (units/year) | Waste Panels = (*) × 0.75% (units/year) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | First Solar | 1.2 GW/year | 400 | 3,000,000 | 22,500 |
2 | Vina Solar | 4.5 GW/year | 400 | 11,250,000 | 84,375 |
3 | JA Solar | 1.5 GW/year | 400 | 3,750,000 | 28,125 |
4 | HT Solar | 1 GW/year | 400 | 2,500,000 | 18,750 |
5 | IREX Solar | 0.3 GW/year | 400 | 750,000 | 5,625 |
6 | Trina Solar | 1 GW/year | 400 | 2,500,000 | 18,750 |
7 | IC Energy | 30 MW/year | 400 | 75,000 | 563 |
8 | Canadian Solar | 5.2 GW/year | 400 | 13,000,000 | 97,500 |
Note: Ptb: Average power of a solar panel (400W)
Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Technology – Hanoi University of Science and Technology, 2022, Study on Proposing Solutions for Managing and Treating Waste Solar Panels
4. Policy Directions for the Development and Management of Solar Panel Waste in Vietnam
With the global trend toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, solar power is rapidly developing worldwide, including in Vietnam. Therefore, environmental protection (EP) concerning solar panel waste requires specific solutions, such as:
First, refine and supplement legal regulations related to solar panel waste, including classification, delineation of roles and responsibilities among ministries, sectors, intersectoral entities, and the central and local governments. This includes managing, collecting, transporting, storing, recycling, and reusing solar panel waste, along with policies to encourage sustainable management practices.
Second, integrate solar panel waste management into environmental protection strategies, green economy programs, and circular economy initiatives across sectors such as Industry, Trade, and Natural Resources & Environment by 2030, with a vision toward 2050. Establish green financial mechanisms and funds for EP related to solar panel waste, create programs and scientific centers specializing in solar panel management, recycling, and reuse, and foster international cooperation on recycling technologies with leading countries.
Third, develop human resources in solar panel management and recycling, actively engage in international organizations focused on renewable energy (RE) and solar power. Ensure comprehensive registration of communities involved in the supply chain and services for solar panels. Plan and establish three solar panel recycling centers in Vietnam’s three regions to meet the development needs of the solar power sector, and promote the localization of solar panel production and recycling.
Fourth, implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) model for solar panel waste within the framework of the Environmental Protection Law.
Fifth, research and update international best practices regarding policies, technologies for collection, and recycling of solar panel waste to support sustainable development.
Sixth, develop incentive mechanisms for the collection, recycling, and establishment of solar panel waste treatment plants. Allocate financial resources and create dedicated funds for solar panel waste management costs. Additionally, enhance international collaboration in managing and recycling solar panel waste.
Du Van Toan, Phung Dang Hieu, Nguyen Thi Thu Thao,
Nguyen Thi Khang, Nguyen Kim Hoan, Ngo Minh Cong
Institute of Environmental Science, Seas, and Islands, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)
(Source: Article published in Environmental Magazine, Issue No. 9/2024)
Source: https://tapchimoitruong.vn/chuyen-muc-3/chat-thai-pin-mat-troi-tai-viet-nam-va-dinh-huong-quan-ly-phat-trien-ben-vung-31374