Keynote 1

Tentative Keynote Speakers (to be updated)

Transport electrification and charging requirements:
Where we are and what to do

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum globally, driven by environmental concerns and technological advancements. However, the successful implementation of large-scale EV fleets, particularly for passenger transport, buses, bikes, and scooters, hinges on several critical factors, including charging infrastructure, grid compatibility, and economic viability. This presentation will delve into the current state of EV adoption and innovative solutions developed for various stakeholders, including fleet owners, and electricity distributors. Key topics to be discussed include:
 
  • Fleet electrification challenges and solutions review: The specific hurdles encountered by different types of EV fleets, such as range anxiety, charging times, and battery management.
  • Charging infrastructure requirements: The necessary infrastructure, including charging stations and grid upgrades, to support large-scale EV adoption.
  • Grid integration issues: The potential strain on the electricity grid caused by increased EV charging demand and strategies for managing peak loads.
Biography
Dr. Ali Moradi Amani is a Senior Research Fellow at the STEM college of RMIT University in Australia, specializing in control and energy systems. He got his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in 2000, 2003, and 2020 respectively, all in control engineering. Before joining academia, he served in the industry for more than 10 years as an engineer and designer of control systems for power networks. His research focuses on improving the resilience and reliability of critical infrastructure, particularly in the context of renewable energy integration and electric vehicle adoption. Dr. Amani has secured significant research funding, published extensively in top-tier journals, and collaborated with leading researchers globally. He is an IEEE senior member and is now the facility manager of the RMIT EV Living Lab, a world-class research laboratory for EV-grid integration studies.

 Advanced Power Electronics Technologies for Distributed Energy System towards 100% Renewable Penetration

Abstract :
Since 1890, alternating current power has been the standard in today’s power systems, where electricity is generated and delivered to consumers through large-scale generation. Now, we are seeing more of this distributed energy, renewable energy or energy storage systems where power is transferred from the consumer side to the generation side. At the same time, we also have some local power systems that can be isolated through flexible power exchange. Apparently, more advanced power electronics technologies are needed for distribution energy system and very likely to involved in future power system architectures. From this perspective, this talk will discuss and explore extensively what the barriers and challenges are for power electronics in electronic distribution systems, and how advanced power electronics technologies can be developed from the power electronics level to system control of distributed energy systems towards 100% renewable penetration
From this perspective, this talk will discuss and explore extensively what the barriers and challenges are for power electronics in electronic distribution systems, and how advanced power electronics technologies can be developed from the power electronics level to system control of distributed energy systems towards 100% renewable penetration.

Biography
Prof. Rae-Young Kim received the B.S. and M.S. degrees from Hanyang University, Soeul, Korea and the Ph.D. degree from Virginia Tech, USA. He has been a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Hanyang University for 15 year. Currently He serves as the key member of several academic or industrial associations including the Director of DC Grid Innovation Research Center. Until now, He has published more than 100 papers and 30 patents. His research includes the power electronics and the smart grid.

Navigating  Vietnam’s  Energy  Trilemma: Greener Energy, Security & Affordability

Vietnam’s commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2050 demands a strategic balance between greening the energy supply, maintaining power system security, and ensuring energy affordability. This keynote discusses Vietnam’s approaches to navigating this energy trilemma, where cleaner energy production must harmonize with grid stability and affordable energy tariffs for consumers.

Firstly and obviously, the shift towards renewable energy is essential for Vietnam’s sustainability goals. Vietnam has significant natural advantages of abundant renewable energy potential, with around 221GW onshore wind, 600GW offshore wind, and 960GW solar power. The Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for a 30.9%–39.2% penetration by 2030, and reaching 67.5%–71.5% by 2050. Achieving these targets requires well- defined execution plans that ensure technological feasibility, energy security, financial viability, and affordability.

Secondly, ensuring power system security is paramount. High penetration of variable renewable energy like wind and solar has introduced solid technical challenges associated with maintaining grid stability and reliability. Increased deployment of renewable energy sources must be paired with investments in grid resilience, energy storage, and other balancing technologies to enhance the power system flexibility. In addition, effective integration of these resources requires innovative control and monitoring technologies, grid digitalization and automation, and advanced data analytics to increase the observability and controllability of power grids.

Lastly, achieving these goals while keeping energy tariffs affordable is vital to ensuring social acceptance and economic viability. By optimizing internal and external resource allocation, supporting and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities in renewable energy and grid modernization technologies, and implementing stable and favourable regulatory frameworks that support cost-effective renewable investments, Vietnam can balance the benefits of green energy transition with the need for economic stability.

This presentation highlights the innovative practices, technological advancements, importance of training and collaborations, and suggestions that can support Vietnam achieving the sustainability commitments without compromising energy reliability and affordability. Through collaborative planning and advanced technology integration, Vietnam has the opportunity to advance toward a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future.

 
Biography
Mr. Thai Anh Tran is the Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Applied Technical Systems Joint Stock Company (ATS JSC). From 1985 to 2005 he worked for Vietnam Electricity (EVN) as the Director of Transmission and Distribution Department and Director of National Load Dispatching Center where Mr. Thai was responsible for Power System Studies, Power System and Power Market standardization, specification, implementation and operation. Mr. Thai graduated from Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Vietnam) in Power System Engineering in 1985 and he is a member of Cigre and IEEE.
 
 

 

Techno-economic potential of Micro-PV in Viet Nam

Viet Nam’s Power Development Plan (PDP8) published in May 2023 sets new renewable energy targets, among others, 50% of public state-owned buildings and 50% of residential households to utilise rooftop solar power for self-generation and self-consumption by 2030. However, currently Viet Nam has less than 1% of the estimated roofs with installed PV rooftop solar systems, or RTS. 

Next to conventional RTS systems, installed on building roofs in different system sizes, micro-PV systems (also referred to as plug-in solar or balcony solar) are emerging as a promising alternative. Micro-PV systems typically consist of small solar PV panels between 200 and 800 watts in size, installed on residential balconies or facades. Unlike a traditional RTS that requires a professional electrician to connect, these newly emerging systems can simply be plugged into a household or small business’ power outlet, which makes them potentially far more attractive and affordable for Vietnamese households.

Building on this trend, the presentation aims to explore about the technical and economic potential of micro-PV systems. Based on load curves, solar radiation profiles, Viet Nam electricity tariffs, cost efficiency is modelled. The results reveal that micro-PV systems have a highly attractive payback time, mainly due to the low installation cost and the attractive solar resource conditions. Consequently, the potential for widespread adoption of micro-PV can make a meaningful contribution to PDP8 targets and bring the energy transition closer to Vietnamese households.

Biography
Mr. Le Van Hoang holds a bachelor’s degree in Power System Engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology. He currently serves as an Energy Advisor for the Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar (CIRTS) project under GIZ-ESP. Drawing on his diverse experience and educational background, he has been contributing effectively to the development of technical solutions for the CIRTS project and the broader GIZ-ESP since 2023. 
 

 

Unlock industrial decarbonization with Power to X technology

Power-to-X is a key enabler for the energy transition as it could leverage the potential from hydrogen which allows electricity is converted – preferably from renewable energy sources – to hydrogen or to hydrogen-based synthetic fuels and feedstock (like methane, methanol or ammonia). These can be stored, transported and used in all kinds of energy consuming sectors. 

This is especially interesting for sectors where decarbonization via electrification is coming to its limits for example industrial sectors (steel, chemical, fertilizer, oil refineries) and mobility (aviation, shipping & train) 

Hydrogen and, increasingly, ammonia, are among the most interesting molecules for the Power-to-X process. These raw materials are used in several industrial processes. Thus, producing them in a green way, using dedicated renewable plants and via electrolysis is a real step towards reducing emissions of the heavy industry and the transport sectors. In this perspective, hydrogen is of real interest because, in addition to its direct use (hydrogen vehicles, industrial gases, etc.), it could also be used in the recycling of CO2 into various molecules and hydrocarbons, starting with methane and methanol for example. Ammonia has the advantage of being easier to transport than hydrogen. 

Ammonia is obtained from hydrogen and nitrogen (via the “Haber-Bosch” process) and, on the other hand, it is possible to “crack” the ammonia molecule to return to hydrogen. Ammonia is therefore identified as a good hydrogen carrier. 

Green hydrogen (GH2) demand in the European Union and Asian markets (based on their current hydrogen strategies and carbon-neutrality commitments) will require the creation of global markets to import large volumes of GH2 from countries that are better positioned to meet this growing demand at low cost and high sustainability. Vietnam has the potential to become one of those countries, for a variety of reasons – including a possible future role for Vietnam as a GH2 hub for the region.

Biography

Mr. Vo Thanh Tung works as a Technical Advisor at the Energy Support Programme at GIZ, bringing decades of experience in oil and gas, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. He specializes in policy advising, technology transfer, and market development, playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable energy solutions forward. Tung is well-versed in the intricacies of energy transition, leveraging his technical foundation from a degree in Chemical Engineering and strategic insights from a master’s in business management. His expertise underpins impactful, future-oriented initiatives in the energy sector, fostering innovation and meaningful industry partnerships.. 

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