Lawyer in Vietnam Dr. Oliver Massmann – Solar Power Development in Vietnam – what you must know:

1. Lawyer in Vietnam Dr. Oliver Massmann – Solar Power Development in
Vietnam – what you must know:
1. What can you tell me about the policies Vietnam now has in place to support solar
development?
The legal framework is almost complete. I expect the solar PPA template will be issued within
this year so that the investors have full guidance to develop projects in Vietnam. However, as I
see from the recent draft solar PPA, it repeats the same mistakes in other renewable PPAs that
make projects not bankable. This issue needs to be sorted out soon so that solar development will
be on fast track in near future.
2. Total PV installations in Vietnam are still quite low — what has been holding back
development?
Because the latest Prime Minister’s Decision promulgating solar FIT was only issued on 11 April
2017. In addition, solar energy is still expensive and less stable throughout the year compared
with other sources of energy. Bankability of the PPA is also a worth-noting issue.
Bankability of PPAs has been achieved for other power projects in the past in Vietnam. We are
now working on solutions for the solar power sector. It can be done.
3. How do you see the solar market evolving through the end of this decade, both in terms
of manufacturing and project development?
I foresee a rapid development in the sector. This is due to the Government’s change of focus on
clean energy and environment protection policies. I can see many foreign investors visiting
Vietnam recently to look for investment opportunities and many of them have managed to reach
a deal with local partners.
4. Where are the opportunities in Vietnamese PV and how should prospective investors
and developers approach the market?
Vietnam is an untapped market for solar. The Government offers many good incentives to attract
foreign investment, for example, exemption of land rental within 3 years from the operation date,
CIT 10%, etc. Investors and developers should first establish close contact with local authorities
and conduct careful due diligence on local partners. BOT is the most recommended investment
form. In addition, investors and developers may consider taking part in different segments such
as equipment supply, solar panels manufacturing, or assembling, etc.

2. 5. What can you tell me about the availability of financing?
IFC and ADB are the most active financiers. Local banks are also more and more interested in
lending to renewable projects in general and solar projects in particular. However, due to poor
performance and credit of EVN, the financing resources are still limited. We recommend MIGA
(Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) support for on-grid utility scale solar power projects
(above 50 MW).
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If you have any question on the above, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Oliver Massmann
under omassmann@duanemorris.com, Dr. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane
Morris Vietnam LLC.
Thank you very much!