Abstract:
Floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology has emerged as a promising solution to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, particularly in the context of saturated global hydropower development and increasing water scarcity due to climate change (World Bank Group, 2019). In Vietnam, with an estimated hydropower potential of approximately 26,000 MW and around 385 operational hydropower reservoirs (Kirin Capital, 2024), the technical potential for FPV deployment is projected to reach 77,353 MW across inland water bodies (Prime Minister, 2025). FPV systems offer multiple advantages, including enhanced synergy with existing hydropower infrastructure, improved energy efficiency, reduced CO₂ emissions, decreased water evaporation, and minimized land use (Yadav et al., 2016; Lee et al., 2020). As global adoption of FPV is expected to accelerate (World Bank Group, 2021), Vietnam holds significant potential for its development due to favorable conditions such as high solar irradiance, a dense hydropower network, and an extensive coastline (Prime Minister, 2023). This study synthesizes the scientific and practical foundations of FPV technology and proposes targeted policy recommendations to establish a comprehensive legal framework and a supportive investment environment, aiming to promote the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s FPV market.
Keywords: ffloating photovoltaic (FPV), reservoir-based solar systems, energy policy, sustainable development.
1. Introduction
Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems represent an emergent technology at the nexus of climate change adaptation, energy security, and land-use pressure. By utilizing water surfaces, FPV offers enhanced energy conversion efficiency-up to 10% higher than terrestrial installations due to passive cooling effects and significant techno-economic synergies with existing hydropower infrastructure, which can reduce grid connection costs and project timelines (World Bank Group, 2019; Kougias et al., 2015; Lee et al., 2020). While initial capital expenditures are higher, these are frequently offset by the critical benefit of preserving agricultural and forestry land (World Bank Group, 2019).
In Vietnam, a nation confronting dual pressures of energy security and land scarcity, FPV presents a strategic pathway. The technology's capacity for integration with hydropower for grid balancing aligns directly with national objectives outlined in Adjusted power development plan VIII and the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Vietnam's technical potential is substantial, estimated at 7.5 GWp across its network of approximately 385 hydropower reservoirs, offering co-benefits such as reduced water evaporation (World Bank, 2021; Quaranta & Pisocchi, 2022).
However, the realisation of this potential is impeded by significant institutional barriers, including the absence of a dedicated legal framework, harmonised technical standards, and robust protocols for environmental and social impact assessment. This study synthesises international scientific evidence and practical experience to propose specific policy recommendations aimed at establishing a coherent regulatory environment to foster the sustainable development of Vietnam’s FPV market.
2. Overview of floating solar photovoltaics and sustainable development
2.1. Global energy context and the imperative for sustainable development
The current global energy landscape is characterised by two opposing trends: a continuously increasing demand for energy and an urgent need to minimise environmental impacts. According to projections by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, 2023), if current trends persist, global energy consumption could rise by approximately 30% to 76% between 2022 and 2050. The EIA also states that to meet this demand, between 81% and 95% of new power generation capacity will need to come from carbon-free technologies.
In response to this challenge, the international community is accelerating the transition to clean energy sources. Encouragingly, data from the United Nations shows that the share of renewable energy in the global electricity mix rose from 19.7% in 2010 to 26.2% by 2019 (Citaristi, 2022). This transition represents not only a technological trend but also a core foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The surge in energy demand, coupled with the pressure to reduce emissions, is compelling countries to seek clean electricity solutions that can be deployed rapidly, with decreasing costs, and without placing additional stress on land resources. Within this context, Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) systems are emerging as a promising solution - especially in countries like Vietnam, where dense networks of hydropower reservoirs already exist.
2.2. Floating photovoltaics (FPV) - An optimal resource utilisation solution
Among the spectrum of renewable energy technologies, Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) has emerged as a breakthrough solution, directly addressing one of the most critical limitations of ground-mounted solar power: land-use conflicts (Hoffacker et al., 2017). By utilising artificial water bodies such as reservoirs and irrigation lakes, FPV not only preserves valuable agricultural and forestry land but also enhances energy yield thanks to the cooling effect of the water surface (Yadav et al., 2016). Although the average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for FPV is 10 - 15% higher than that of ground-mounted PV systems, non-financial benefits - such as land conservation, reduced water evaporation, and the use of existing grid infrastructure - make FPV more economically viable in the long term (World Bank, 2019).
In Vietnam, a country with high population density and an urgent need to protect agricultural land, FPV holds strategic significance. In this context, the utilisation of existing reservoirs for FPV deployment presents a logical and feasible approach. This method enables a balanced reconciliation between economic development and environmental protection by resolving land-use conflicts, thereby contributing directly to the country’s sustainable development strategy.
2.3. Benefits of integrating FPV with hydropower and the water - energy nexus
One of the most valuable applications of Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) is their integration with existing hydropower plants. This hybrid approach not only contributes to significant water savings by reducing surface evaporation (Lee et al., 2020), but also offers substantial benefits in power system operation. Specifically, FPV generates electricity during daylight hours, allowing hydropower reservoirs to store water for peak evening demand or for use during the dry season. This complementary operational mechanism enables optimisation of power dispatch schedules, enhances system flexibility and grid stability, and reduces the operating frequency and wear of hydropower turbines, thereby extending their lifespan.
The FPV-hydropower hybrid model also contributes to the optimisation of the Water-Food-Energy Nexus, a concept of growing importance in the context of sustainable resource management (Sacramento et al., 2015).
Figure 1. General schematic of a hybrid system combining a hydropower plant with floating photovoltaic (FPV) solar power
In Vietnam, pioneering projects such as the Da Mi floating solar power plant (47.5 MWp, Lam Dong Province) and the Tra O Lagoon project (50 MWp, Gia Lai Province), deployed over a 60-hectare water surface, have officially commenced commercial operation. Additionally, several projects are currently undergoing feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments, including the Sre Pok and Buon Kuop projects in Phu Yen Province. These represent some of the first real-world applications of the floating photovoltaic (FPV) model in the country. Not only do they contribute stable, clean electricity to the national grid, but they also pave the way for more effective utilisation of the hundreds of hydropower and irrigation reservoirs across Vietnam.
The advancement of FPV has been driven by continuous technological progress. Recent innovations focus on optimising the design of floating structures, developing wireless monitoring and measurement systems, and integrating intelligent technologies such as bifacial photovoltaic modules and grid-interactive control algorithms (Ziar et al., 2021).
However, despite these opportunities, large-scale FPV deployment still faces several critical challenges. Common issues include operational safety concerns, the risk of water-electricity interactions, the lack of harmonised technical standards, and notably, gaps in national policy frameworks for project regulation and permitting (Oliveira-Pinto & Stokkermans, 2020). In the Vietnamese context, these challenges are further compounded by site-specific technical conditions that require tailored engineering solutions. Notable among these are:
Complex hydrological regimes: Large fluctuations in water levels between the wet and dry seasons - often exceeding 5 metres in many reservoirs - necessitate robust design of dynamic mooring and cabling systems.
Extreme weather conditions: Risks from typhoons and thunderstorms generate large wave forces and high wind loads, demanding superior durability and stability of floating platforms and anchoring systems.
Sedimentation: The gradual build-up of silt and sediment within reservoirs may compromise the effectiveness and safety of mooring systems over time.
Addressing these policy and technical challenges in a holistic and coordinated manner is essential for unlocking the full potential of FPV in Vietnam.
3. The current development of floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) energy in Vietnam
3.1. Power generation structure and energy transition trends
Vietnam's power sector is undergoing a profound transition, characterised by the rapid expansion of solar energy, which reached 16.6 GW (21.2% of total capacity) by 2024 (EVN, 2024). This shift occurs as the country's hydropower potential nears full exploitation, with its share in the energy mix projected to decline significantly under Adjusted Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8). This trajectory renders the large-scale deployment of alternative renewables a strategic imperative for meeting both rising energy demand and national emission reduction targets.
In this context, floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) emerge as a key strategic technology, addressing several national priorities simultaneously through: (i) direct contributions to climate commitments, including the net-zero 2050 target and the National Green Growth Strategy; (ii) mitigation of land-use conflicts between energy generation and food security, a critical concern in a densely populated nation; and (iii) techno-economic optimisation of existing hydropower assets, thereby enhancing overall energy security. The strategic potential is substantial: studies indicate that Vietnam could install 6-7 GWp of FPV capacity on hydropower reservoirs by utilising only 5-10% of their surface area (World Bank, 2020), reinforcing its role in the nation's sustainable energy future.
3.2. The oppotential contribution of floating solar photovoltaics to sustainable development
The deployment of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FPV) systems in Vietnam serves as a typical example of the complex interplay between technology, economics, the environment, and society. To conduct a comprehensive assessment, it is essential to thoroughly analyse the contributions and challenges of FPV in relation to the three fundamental pillars of sustainable development.
3.2.1. Economic pillar: Optimising efficiency and promoting sustainable growth
From an economic perspective, FPV offers direct benefits through: (a) enhanced energy efficiency, (b) infrastructure synergies, and (c) opportunities for developing a domestic supply chain.
3.2.1.1. Enhancing energy conversion efficiency
A primary technical advantage of Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) is their capacity for enhanced energy conversion efficiency, which is achieved through passive thermal cooling from the underlying water body. As the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules is inversely correlated with their operating temperature (Farfan & Breyer, 2018), this cooling mechanism is critical.
Empirical evidence indicates that FPV modules can operate at temperatures 5-10°C lower than equivalent terrestrial installations. Given a typical performance degradation coefficient of 0.4-0.5%/°C for crystalline silicon panels, this thermal mitigation directly translates into a system efficiency gain of 5–10% (Liu et al., 2018; Breyer, 2021), with a corresponding increase in annual energy yield of up to 6% (Dörenkämper et al., 2021). This advantage is particularly significant in high-irradiance and high-ambient-temperature regions, such as Central and Southern Vietnam, thereby enhancing the techno-economic viability of FPV deployments.
3.2.1.2. Infrastructure synergy
However, the most strategically significant economic contribution of FPV lies in its ability to integrate with and harness infrastructure synergies from existing hydropower plants. Installing FPV systems on reservoirs enables the shared use of existing grid connection points, substations, and transmission lines. This advantage has a direct impact on both capital and operational expenditures:
Reduction in capital expenditure (CAPEX): This is the most evident economic benefit. Avoiding the need to construct new transmission infrastructure eliminates a major cost component. According to analyses by the World Bank (2020), leveraging existing hydropower grid infrastructure can reduce the total investment cost of an FPV project by 8% to 15%.
Optimisation of operating expenditure (OPEX): Beyond CAPEX savings, this integrated model has the potential to optimise OPEX by sharing technical staff and management facilities already available at the hydropower site. Equally important, this approach mitigates the complex legal costs and land clearance risks - one of the most significant and time-consuming barriers for ground-mounted energy projects in Vietnam (Kougias et al., 2019; Cazzaniga et al., 2019).
3.2.1.3. Opportunity to develop a domestic supply chain
While floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems offer immediate economic advantages by leveraging existing hydropower infrastructure, thereby reducing capital costs and land acquisition complexities (Kougias et al., 2019; Cazzaniga et al., 2019), their long-term economic sustainability is critically contingent upon the development of a robust domestic supply chain. Without strategic policy intervention, Vietnam risks relegating its FPV sector to a low-value, import-dependent assembly model, leading to significant economic value leakage.
This risk is underscored by the current reliance on imported core technologies, including photovoltaic panels, inverters, and specialised floating structures, which exposes the national economy to global market volatility and foreign currency pressures (IEA, 2022). Concurrently, this dependency stifles the cultivation of high-skilled human capital, as projects primarily generate transient construction employment rather than fostering expertise in engineering and material science, which is essential for technology absorption (Hansen & Lema, 2019). Furthermore, it inhibits the emergence of a high-value auxiliary industrial ecosystem, encompassing specialised logistics, advanced monitoring systems, and operational software, thereby limiting broader technology spillover effects (UNIDO, 2020).
Therefore, to transition from a mere assembly hub to a localised value chain, the implementation of coherent incentive policies is imperative. These should include investment credits, tax reductions, and targeted support for technology transfer to domestic enterprises for the production of critical components like floating platforms and smart monitoring modules. Such policies have demonstrated efficacy in fostering renewable energy industries in other developing nations (World Bank, 2021).
3.2.2. Environmental pillar: Balancing ecological benefits and risks
From an environmental perspective, FPV presents a dual profile of significant benefits counterbalanced by complex ecological risks. The primary benefit is the decoupling of energy generation from land occupation, thereby mitigating land-use conflicts and preserving land for agriculture. Utilizing just 5–10% of Vietnam's hydropower reservoir surface could obviate the need to convert over 20,000 hectares of land (World Bank, 2020; Hoffacker et al., 2017). Additionally, FPV systems reduce evaporative water loss-a critical co-benefit for water security.
However, these advantages are accompanied by potential ecological disturbances. FPV installations can alter underwater light regimes, thermal stratification, and create physical barriers, with potential cascading effects on aquatic food webs from phytoplankton to fish species (Haas et al., 2020; Exley et al., 2021). Given the limited baseline ecological data for most Vietnamese reservoirs, these risks underscore the necessity of a precautionary approach. Consequently, rigorous, site-specific Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) must be a non-negotiable prerequisite for project approval to ensure ecological sustainability.
3.2.3. The Social Pillar: Opportunities and challenges
From a social standpoint, floating photovoltaics (FPV) offer the significant advantage of mitigating land-use conflicts by avoiding the conversion of agricultural land. However, this technology simultaneously introduces complex challenges related to water surface rights and resource governance, particularly in a context like Vietnam where reservoirs function as multi-use socio-ecological systems.
A primary challenge arises from spatial and livelihood conflicts, as the livelihoods of numerous local communities are deeply dependent on reservoir-based activities such as aquaculture and fisheries (Directorate of Fisheries, 2022). Consequently, large-scale FPV deployment without participatory planning risks triggering social tensions stemming from direct competition for productive space, conflicting environmental risk perceptions, and inequitable benefit distribution (Almeida et al., 2022). The management of these common-pool resources is therefore critical, and project viability hinges on securing a "social licence to operate" from affected communities (Prno & Slocombe, 2012).
A second, more systemic challenge is the institutional deficit in safety and technical standards. The aquatic operational environment of FPV creates a unique dual-risk scenario-combining high-voltage electrical and drowning hazards-for which terrestrial PV standards are wholly inadequate. Critical gaps exist in national guidance for aquatic-specific requirements, such as electrical grounding protocols and occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures (NREL, 2021; Kumar & Majid, 2021; Sen et al., 2021). This absence of harmonised standards not only poses latent risks to personnel but also creates a significant regulatory bottleneck for project approval and monitoring (Ignacio Esparza et al., 2024).
Overcoming these barriers necessitates a two-pronged institutional response. First, addressing livelihood conflicts requires mandatory, early-stage community consultation, detailed water-use spatial planning, and institutionalised benefit-sharing mechanisms (Sovacool et al., 2018; World Bank, 2020). Second, closing the safety gap demands the urgent development and promulgation of a dedicated National Technical Regulation (QCVN) for FPV, benchmarked against international standards like IEC TS 63126:2020, to ensure safe and sustainable deployment.
3.3. Practical challenges in deploying floating solar photovoltaics (FPV)
Despite its immense potential, the large-scale deployment of floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) power plants faces a range of multidimensional challenges - technical, environmental, and socio-economic - that require systematic and scientific consideration and resolution.
3.3.1. Technical and operational challenges
Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems confront distinct technical and operational challenges stemming from their aquatic deployment environment, which is significantly more demanding than that for terrestrial systems.
The constant exposure to moisture, UV radiation, and dynamic mechanical stresses (e.g., waves, currents, wind) necessitates advanced material durability and robust engineering for components such as pontoons and mooring systems. These stringent requirements translate directly into a higher capital expenditure (CAPEX), estimated to be 15–20% greater than for equivalent ground-mounted installations (Oliveira-Pinto & Stokkermans, 2020).
Furthermore, operation and maintenance (O&M) are more complex and costly, with expenses running 25–30% higher than for terrestrial counterparts (IRENA, 2021; IEA-PVPS, 2022). Key cost drivers include the need for specialized underwater inspections of mooring and cabling systems and the management of biofouling. This accumulation of microorganisms and algae on panel surfaces is particularly acute in tropical reservoirs and can severely degrade energy yield if not addressed through frequent, costly cleaning procedures.
Compounding these issues is a critical institutional gap: the lack of dedicated national technical standards for FPV in Vietnam. This absence impedes certification, complicates procurement and bidding processes, and hinders effective technical supervision, creating a reliance on foreign technologies and design specifications.
3.3.2. Environmental and ecological challenges
Uncertainty regarding long-term ecological impacts: Floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology is emerging and lacks sufficient empirical evidence on its long-term effects on freshwater ecosystems. Ecological effects primarily arise from the physical presence of floating solar panels, causing shading and obstructing aerodynamic gas exchange between the air and water surface. Studies indicate that surface coverage reduces underwater light intensity, directly impacting photosynthesis of phytoplankton - the foundational link in aquatic food chains (Haas et al., 2020). A decline in phytoplankton biomass can trigger a domino effect on zooplankton and fish populations.
Additionally, reduced wind exposure on the water surface decreases mixing and gas exchange, increasing the risk of hypoxic zones in deeper layers-especially in reservoirs with weak stratification. The ecological impact significantly depends on project design, particularly the coverage ratio. According to Sharaf et al. (2022), coverage exceeding 40% can substantially alter thermal stratification regimes in tropical reservoirs.
However, in Vietnam, there is currently no standardized index framework to systematically assess these impacts. The existing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework still relies on conventional parameters (DO, COD, BOD, etc.) but does not adequately monitor specific aquatic biological parameters such as deep-water temperature, phytoplankton density, or oxygen regeneration rates. This gap creates a significant blind spot for early detection of ecological risks associated with FPV.
3.3.3. Economic and social challenges
Life cycle cost analysis (LCOE) and economic competitiveness
Current FPV systems have a higher levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) compared to ground-mounted solar due to higher initial capital expenditures, particularly for floating structures, mooring systems, and specialized engineering design for aquatic environments. However, recent studies (Oliveira-Pinto & Stokkermans, 2020) indicate that this difference can be offset by several advantages such as improved efficiency from natural cooling effects and, importantly, savings on land costs - which are increasingly scarce and expensive in many urban, coastal, and densely populated lowland areas.
Social acceptance and stakeholder management
Reservoirs, especially irrigation and hydropower reservoirs, often serve multiple simultaneous purposes including water supply, aquaculture, ecotourism, and inland navigation. Large-scale FPV deployment can create conflicts of interest among these groups if consultation and comprehensive assessment processes are lacking. Social barriers may manifest in various forms: opposition due to livelihood impacts (fishing, boat traffic), concerns over landscape aesthetics, or access rights to public resources.
A notable example is the FPV project on Cirata Reservoir (Indonesia) by Masdar, which was stalled for nearly a year due to lack of consensus with the local fishing communities. This clearly demonstrates that successful FPV projects require not only “technical permits” but also a social license to operate (SLO).
Therefore, transparent consultation processes with meaningful participation from all stakeholders - including local residents and commune authorities - from the earliest investment preparation stage is a prerequisite to ensuring the sustainability and long-term operability of FPV projects in Vietnam.
4. Policy implications for developing the floating solar photovoltaic market in Vietnam
For the floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) market in Vietnam to develop sustainably, policy formulation must be firmly grounded in scientific evidence and international best practices. Analysis of challenges and opportunities indicates that a comprehensive policy framework should be built upon four strategic pillars:
4.1. Establishing a clear legal framework and strategic water surface zoning
Strategic implications for Vietnam: Vietnam needs to develop a comprehensive plan with a clear roadmap to integrate FPV both in terms of infrastructure (shared transmission and grid connection) and operation (flexible dispatch with hydropower). EVN should take a pioneering role, similar to EGAT, by implementing large-scale hybrid FPV-hydropower pilot projects at strategic reservoirs such as Hoa Binh, Son La, or Tri An.
A systemic obstacle to attracting investment in FPV in Vietnam is the existing legal gap. The absence of a dedicated legal framework creates uncertainty, delaying investment decisions and posing risks for both investors and regulatory authorities.
Therefore, the enactment of a specialised legal framework is an urgent task. This requires inter-ministerial coordination, with the ministry of industry and trade taking the lead on energy planning, closely collaborating with the ministry of natural resources and environment on water resource management, and the ministry of agriculture and rural development on the management of irrigation reservoirs. This planning process should prioritise existing hydropower reservoirs- an approach supported by scientific evidence demonstrating the dual benefits of integrating FPV with hydropower to optimise grid infrastructure and save water-an especially strategic advantage in drought-prone areas (Sacramento et al., 2015).
One key output of this planning is the identification and public disclosure of "national FPV potential zones" based on technical, environmental, and social criteria, aimed at attracting investment and significantly reducing project survey and approval times.
To support this process, a national geographic information system (GIS) database of water bodies should be developed. This database must integrate multidimensional layers, including: (i) technical data (depth, water level fluctuation range, wind speed), (ii) environmental information (water quality, biodiversity), and (iii) legal status and current usage (management rights, community livelihoods).
This systematic approach will help minimise risks, shorten survey times, and create a transparent and predictable investment environment, akin to South Korea’s successful implementation of its “Renewable Energy 2030 Plan.”
4.2. Promulgation of National Technical and Safety Standards
Ensuring the long-term safety, quality, and bankability of FPV projects is critical, given their operational lifespan in harsh aquatic environments (Oliveira-Pinto & Stokkermans, 2020). Therefore, the promulgation of a comprehensive National Technical Regulation (QCVN) specific to FPV is imperative, as transposing standards from terrestrial systems is inadequate.
This regulation must codify stringent, FPV-specific requirements across three critical domains: (i) Mechanical and Structural Integrity: Standards for pontoon load-bearing capacity and the design of robust mooring systems, benchmarked against international best practices for extreme weather resilience (e.g., Japan's typhoon-resistant designs); (ii) Electrical Safety and Material Durability: Protocols for corrosion and UV-degradation resistance, and enhanced insulation specifications for all electrical components operating in high-humidity environments; (iii) Environmental and Water Safety: Mandatory certification for all materials in contact with water to meet potable water safety standards, preventing secondary pollution, particularly in drinking water reservoirs (e.g., Singapore's approach).
4.3. Establishing competitive financial mechanisms and encouraging smart investment
To ensure fiscal sustainability and promote economic efficiency, financial policies for FPV need to decisively shift from fixed feed-in tariffs (FIT) to competitive bidding mechanisms for large-scale projects.
However, the bidding mechanism for FPV cannot simply replicate that of ground-mounted solar. Instead, a tailored bidding framework is necessary, taking into account the technology’s unique characteristics. Specifically, it is essential to apply a price adjustment factor or a flexible ceiling price during bidding to reasonably reflect the higher capital expenditure (CAPEX) of FPV compared to ground-based systems.
Regarding the implementation roadmap, the government should consider a phased approach, starting with pilot bidding at several major hydropower reservoirs (e.g., Hoa Binh, Sin La, Tri An, Ialy), where grid infrastructure is already established and technical control and supervision are easier to manage.
Alongside the bidding mechanism, addressing barriers to capital access is critical. Competitive bidding addresses electricity pricing, but the financial viability of projects depends on other risk factors. Therefore, the government needs to implement financial risk mitigation tools, including:
Green credit Support: Establish preferential credit limits or loan guarantee mechanisms for FPV projects through policy banks or the Vietnam Environmental Protection Fund.
Power purchase agreement (PPA) guarantee: Provide government-backed payment guarantees for PPAs. This is a core bottleneck, as PPAs lacking strong guarantees make it difficult for projects-especially high-capex FPV - to secure international financing at reasonable costs.
The combined deployment of an intelligent bidding mechanism and risk mitigation instruments will create a transparent, competitive, and financially viable investment environment for FPV.
4.4. Strict management of environmental and social impacts
Effective governance of FPV necessitates a systematic and precautionary framework that transcends conventional Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) protocols.
From an environmental standpoint, a lifecycle-based risk management model should be mandated. This approach requires: (1) comprehensive pre-deployment baseline assessments, (2) continuous operational monitoring, and (3) adaptive mitigation strategies informed by real-world data. Such a dynamic framework is critical for addressing the scientific uncertainties surrounding long-term impacts on hydrodynamics and aquatic ecosystems, thereby operationalizing the precautionary principle (Haas et al., 2020; Almeida et al., 2022).
Socially, securing a "social license to operate" demands a paradigm shift in community engagement. Meaningful stakeholder consultation must be institutionalised from the pre-feasibility stage, rather than being a perfunctory, late-stage procedure. This proactive approach is essential for identifying and mediating potential conflicts over water-use rights, thereby building trust and preventing costly social opposition (Sovacool et al., 2018).
To operationalise these requirements, we propose the development of a "Socio-Environmental Acceptance Index." This index would serve as a formal metric to evaluate the quality of an investor’s environmental management and community engagement plans. Crucially, it should be integrated as a non-financial, weighted criterion within FPV tender evaluations. This policy would create a market-based incentive for proponents to compete on sustainability and social responsibility, not solely on price.
4.5. Integrating FPV into power system operation
The large-scale integration of FPV, as a Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) source, poses a significant challenge to power system stability. To harness FPV's potential without compromising grid security, a strategic policy and regulatory overhaul is required to transition these installations from passive generators to active, dispatchable grid assets.
This transition necessitates a three-pronged approach. First, grid codes must be reformed to mandate the provision of ancillary services (e.g., frequency regulation, power balancing) by large-scale FPV plants. Second, technical regulations must require all new FPV projects to be designed as "hybrid-ready," facilitating future integration with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) or enabling flexible co-dispatch with hydropower. This should be a non-negotiable technical prerequisite in procurement and permitting processes.
Third, the national grid operator (e.g., EVN) must be tasked with developing and issuing a specific FPV Grid Connection Technical Guideline. This guideline must codify detailed requirements for interconnection, communication protocols, controllability, and protection schemes. Coordinated implementation of these measures is essential to ensure the stable operation of Vietnam’s power system amid increasing VRE penetration.
5. Conclusion
In the context of Vietnam’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) represents a key solution to expand renewable energy capacity without requiring additional land use. However, to fully harness this potential, a dedicated legal framework, appropriate electricity pricing policies, and integration into the national power planning must be established promptly.
Promoting the development of FPV not only contributes to ensuring energy security but also plays a crucial role in a sustainable development strategy that is harmonious with the environment and local communities.
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Author biographies:
Nguyen Lan Anh1
Ngo Dang Luu2
1Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8085-5507
2Anh Minh Global Co., Ltd, https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6929-9397
Thúc đẩy phát triển điện mặt trời nổi hướng đến phát triển bền vững:
Hàm ý chính sách đối với Việt Nam
Nguyễn Lan Anh1
Ngô Đăng Lưu2
1Trường Đại học Công nghiệp TP.Hồ Chí Minh
2Công ty TNHH Anh Minh Global Group
Tóm tắt:
Điện mặt trời nổi (FPV) đang được xem là một giải pháp đầy hứa hẹn nhằm đáp ứng nhu cầu ngày càng tăng về năng lượng tái tạo, đặc biệt trong bối cảnh thủy điện trên toàn cầu đã gần như đạt giới hạn phát triển và tình trạng khan hiếm nước ngày càng nghiêm trọng do biến đổi khí hậu (Ngân hàng Thế giới, 2019). Tại Việt Nam, với tiềm năng thủy điện ước tính khoảng 26.000 MW và khoảng 385 hồ thủy điện đang vận hành (Kirin Capital, 2024), tiềm năng kỹ thuật cho việc triển khai FPV được dự báo có thể đạt tới 77.353 MW trên các vùng nước nội địa (Thủ tướng Chính phủ, 2025). Hệ thống FPV mang lại nhiều lợi ích như tận dụng hiệu quả hạ tầng thủy điện hiện có, nâng cao hiệu suất phát điện, giảm phát thải CO₂, hạn chế bay hơi nước và tiết kiệm diện tích đất sử dụng cho năng lượng mặt trời (Yadav và cộng sự, 2016; Lee và cộng sự, 2020). Việc triển khai FPV được dự báo sẽ tăng trưởng nhanh trên toàn cầu trong những năm tới (Ngân hàng Thế giới, 2021). Trong đó, Việt Nam sở hữu nhiều yếu tố thuận lợi để phát triển loại hình năng lượng này, gồm khí hậu nhiệt đới gió mùa với bức xạ mặt trời cao, mạng lưới thủy điện dày đặc và đường bờ biển trải dài (Thủ tướng Chính phủ, 2023). Nghiên cứu này tổng hợp cơ sở khoa học và thực tiễn của công nghệ FPV, đồng thời đề xuất một số khuyến nghị chính sách nhằm xây dựng khuôn khổ pháp lý đầy đủ và môi trường đầu tư thuận lợi để thúc đẩy sự phát triển bền vững của thị trường FPV tại Việt Nam.
Từ khoá: điện mặt trời nổi, hệ thống điện mặt trời trên mặt hồ chứa nước, chính sách năng lượng, phát triển bền vững.
