USTDA Expands Renewable Energy Cooperation under USACEP

(USTDA) GE to Partner with Vietnamese Government to Explore Wind Power Integration

HANOI, VIETNAM – Today, the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (ERAV) and General Electric International (GE; Schenectady, NY) signed a contract to develop a wind grid code for the country's electric power sector, based on a technical assistance grant to ERAV funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). GE's Energy Consulting department will conduct a study of Vietnam's wind resources, power grid and planned wind power capacity additions to serve as the basis for a new grid code standard that allows for the integration and interconnection of up to 6,000 MW of new wind power.

"We are pleased to support this effort to help develop Vietnam's abundant wind resources," said USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak. "This contract demonstrates the practical benefits of collaboration between U.S. industry and the governments of the U.S and Vietnam in achieving sustainable energy growth for Vietnam's expanding economy."

"As the world leader in renewable energy development, GE is pleased to support Vietnam's pursuit of sustainable energy as a new way forward," said John G. Rice, Vice Chairman of GE, who signed the contract along with Mr. Nguyen Huy Cuong, Director General of ERAV. The signing was witnessed on behalf of the U.S. government by Deputy Chief of Mission to Vietnam Claire A. Pierangelo. Mr Rice continued, "This agreement will lay the foundation for Vietnam to exploit its great potential in wind energy which in turn will contribute to the improvement of the country's energy infrastructure."

The team of GE experts will examine the impacts of wind power generation on the power system's stability, as well as the reliability of long-term wind forecasting. By helping Vietnam set the standards for wide-scale integration of wind and other renewable energy, this project may offer large export opportunities for U.S. wind manufacturers in the next decade.

This project, along with an earlier reverse trade mission focused on Vietnam's wind power developers and energy regulators, is an important component of USTDA's renewable energy portfolio and demonstrates the Agency's commitment to the U.S.-Asia Pacific Comprehensive Energy Partnership (USACEP). This Partnership was announced by President Obama at the East Asia Summit in November 2012 to support greater U.S. business engagement in the region's clean energy development, while stimulating infrastructure and grid improvements.