Off-grid PV system at the remote fish farm in An Giang province Vietnam Enlarge

Off-grid PV system at the remote fish farm in An Giang province Vietnam

© GIZ

Despite having achieved 98% rural electrification rate, there are certain areas in Vietnam still without access to grid’s electricity, among which is the Pangasius breeding center in An Giang province of Viet Uc Group, a local shrimp and fish hatchery enterprise.

Energy security through off-grid PV systems

In order to prepare for its long-term business in Mekong Delta while facing challenges of climate change impacts, Viet Uc Group has been developing the innovative “green-house” intensive farming model for better control of environmental factors and higher productivity. This requires reliable and affordable energy supply, therefore, Viet Uc is looking into solar PV as additional source to its current diesel generators supply.
The Project Development Programme (PDP), implemented by GIZ under the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s (BMWi) German Energy Solutions Initiative, has been supporting Viet Uc Group alongside this project development process with technology consultancy, policy advice, assessing viable business models, pre-feasibility calculations and connecting Viet Uc to reputable solar contractors.
The 22 kWp ground-mounted PV system in An Giang province was installed in May 2018 by a German solar EPC contractor and consists of storage capacity to ensure energy supply during the night. This pilot system is the first PV application in Vietnam aquaculture sector and expected to showcase a viable solution against the region’s challenges and encourage further upscaling in the sector.

Companies in remote areas without grid connection rely on self-sufficient power generation.

Companies in remote areas without grid connection rely on self-sufficient power generation.

© GIZ

About the German project partner

Belectric Solar & Battery GmbH is internationally active in the development and construction of ground-mounted solar power plants and energy storage systems. Founded in 2001 the company has since grown into an worldwide operating group with activities on all continents. Belectric has installed more than 300 turnkey ground-mounted solar power plants with a cumulated capacity of more than 2.0 GWp.

System Data

Installed capacity:22 kWp
Investment volume:25,000 €
Location:Vietnam (south), An Giang province, about 6 hours by car from Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Client:Viet Uc Group
German business partner:Belectric Solar & Battery GmbH