TOPIC: Wind Turbine and Potential for Vietnam's industrial electricity

Intro:
I am here to discuss an exciting and timely topic: "Wind Turbines and Their
Potential for Vietnam's Industrial Electricity." Did you know that Vietnam's
electricity demand is projected to increase by 10% annually, and the country faces
potential electricity shortages as early as 2025? With over 3,000 kilometers of
coastline and some of the best wind resources in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a
unique opportunity to harness wind energy to meet this growing demand. Today,
we will explore the benefits, challenges, and immense potential of integrating wind
turbines into Vietnam's energy mix, and how this can drive the country's industrial
development and sustainability goals.
Part 1:
Firstly, we now go to explore the definition: What are wind turbines? Wind
turbines are remarkable machines that harness the power of the wind to generate
clean, renewable electricity. Many developed and developing countries are
exploring their wind turbine system to decrease reliability on hydropower and
fossil fuel.
Wind turbines have sophisticated design, but that supports the mechanical engine
to operate effectively and meet electricity demand. The primary components
include rotor blades, a nacelle housing the generator and gearbox, and a tower that
supports the entire structure. The turbine operation is quite interesting. While
exposed to the wind, these movements will cause the rotor blades to rotate around
the rotor connected to the main shaft. This helps the main shaft rotate the generator
shaft to produce electricity. At this time, other movements of the generator engine
will also rotate. That's the way turbines work to produce electrical energy.
The majority of wind turbines fall into two basic types: Horizontal-axis wind
turbines, with their blades rotating around a horizontal axis, are the most common
type. Vertical-axis wind turbines, with blades rotating around a vertical axis, are
less common but can be more suitable for certain environments.
Wind turbines are becoming increasingly popular. The benefits they bring have
prompted countries to accelerate the development of wind turbine systems,
especially in electricity production. For wind energy development, according to the
newest data in 2023, China led all other countries for both onshore and offshore
wind power installations in 2023. It had 65% of new installations, and was
followed by the U.S., Brazil and Germany, respectively . Total worldwide
installations in 2023 were more than 115 GWs, dominated by the three main
markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. And installations are expected to
reach 200 GWs in 2030.
Part 2:

Currently, energy generated from fossil fuels accounts for about 80% of the energy
supplied globally, but it is causing serious environmental pollution due to the
carbon dioxide they emit, leading to drastic environmental changes and gradually
damaging our lives. In contrast, wind turbines stand as a beacon of sustainability
and environmental stewardship. The operation of wind turbines does not produce
any greenhouse gas emissions or other air pollutants, making them a highly
environmentally friendly energy technology. The kinetic energy generated by wind
turbines is converted into electricity, making it a zero-emission source of power.
This helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint and improving air quality.
Therefore, wind power promotes healthier communities and enhances overall
well-being. All of these are crucial in our fight against global warming, preserving
the health of our planet for future generations. The European Wind Energy
Association estimates that by 2020, Europe's wind power capacity could reach 180
GW, preventing the emission of 325 million tons of CO2.

Moreover, wind turbines can conserve valuable freshwater resources because wind
turbines don’t require water for operation. Thereby, this is particularly beneficial in
regions facing water scarcity or drought conditions. It was reported that the
average amount of water consumption in Malaysia for conventional power plants
was about 1.48 l/kWh while wind energy-operated power sources used only 0.004
l/kWh in 2007.

Furthermore, expanding the use of wind turbines reduces a country's reliance on

imported fossil fuels, increasing its energy independence and security. This
reduces exposure to price volatility, and geopolitical risks associated with fossil
fuel extraction, transportation, and trade. Denmark is the most energy-secure and
sustainable country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development, having achieved self-sufficiency in energy production. The country's
latest strategy aims for 30 percent of its total energy supply to come from
renewable sources by 2025, setting an example for other nations. This can be
especially beneficial for countries like Vietnam that have limited domestic fossil
fuel resources.

Beyond environmental benefits, the installation of wind turbines holds tremendous

potential for economic development and job creation. The wind industry creates
local jobs, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and operation. This
stimulates economic growth, fosters innovation, and contributes to the transition to
a more sustainable and resilient economy. In technologically advanced countries
like Europe, where a notable share of energy comes from wind power, the sector
accounts for around 7.3% of jobs in related industries, while currently supplying
about 3.7% of the EU's energy demand. According to the Global Wind Energy
Council, the wind industry supported 1.2 million jobs worldwide in 2019. In
addition, through investments, the government pays land leases to landowners, and
tax revenues for local governments, these projects can revitalize rural economies,
promote infrastructure development, and support community initiatives.

In conclusion, the positive effects of using wind turbines to produce electricity are
undeniable. As the world continues to transition towards a more sustainable future,
wind turbines will play an increasingly important role in our energy mix.
Part 3:

Firstly, let's talk about the environmental impact of wind turbines. While they offer
renewable energy benefits, they also pose significant environmental challenges:
Wildlife Disruption: Bird and Bat Mortality: Wind turbines pose a significant
threat to birds and bats. A study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated
that approximately 140,000 to 328,000 birds are killed annually by wind turbines
in the United States alone. Similarly, bats are affected, with estimates of tens to
hundreds of thousands of bat fatalities per year in North America. For example, the
Altamont Pass Wind Farm in California has been noted for its high bird mortality
rates, particularly affecting raptors such as golden eagles and red-tailed hawks.
Habitat Loss:Land Use and Habitat Fragmentation: The construction of wind farms
requires significant land use, which can lead to habitat destruction and
fragmentation. Each wind turbine requires about 1.5 acres of land, including the
infrastructure needed for access roads and maintenance facilities. This can displace
local wildlife and disrupt natural habitats. For instance, in the Midwest U.S., the
expansion of wind farms has impacted the habitat of the greater prairie-chicken, a
species already under pressure from agricultural development.

Wind turbines can also have adverse effects on human health. The constant noise
from turbines can cause sleep disturbances, headaches, and other health problems
for people living nearby. Noise-Related Issues: The noise produced by wind
turbines typically falls between 35-45 decibels (dB) at a distance of 300 meters.
However, at closer distances, the noise level can reach up to 55 dB, which is
comparable to a normal conversation but continuous and repetitive. According to a
study by the World Health Organization (WHO), noise levels above 40 dB can
lead to significant health problems, including sleep disturbances and
cardiovascular issues. Wind Turbine Syndrome: This term, coined by Dr. Nina
Pierpont in 2009, describes a set of symptoms reported by people living near wind
turbines. These symptoms include dizziness, nausea, tinnitus (ringing in the ears),
irritability, and chronic sleep deprivation. For example, a study in Massachusetts
found that 23% of respondents living within 1,500 meters of wind turbines
reported experiencing these symptoms. Shadow Flicker: The rotating blades of
wind turbines cast moving shadows that create a flickering effect when the sun is
low. This can be particularly problematic in homes where the flicker can be seen
inside for up to 30 minutes per day at certain times of the year. For instance, a
study in Germany found that shadow flicker can occur for more than 30 hours per
year in affected homes, leading to stress and discomfort among residents. By
understanding these specific health impacts and addressing them, we can better
evaluate the overall implications of wind turbine installations on human health.

The economic and social impacts of wind turbines are significant: Property Value
Decline: Properties located near wind farms often experience a decrease in value.
The aesthetic and noise-related drawbacks make these areas less attractive to
potential buyers. Community Division: The placement of wind farms can cause
conflicts within communities. The benefits, such as job creation and local revenue,
are often outweighed by the negative experiences of those living close to the
turbines. High Initial Costs: The initial investment for wind turbines is substantial.
While they offer long-term savings, the upfront costs can be prohibitive, especially
for smaller communities and developing countries.
Part 4:

Vietnam, a nation blessed with a long coastline and a tropical climate, possesses an
extraordinary potential for wind energy. In the following, I will shed light on these
potentials, exploring what factors contribute to developing them and the benefits of
embracing this power. Ultimately, we will see how Vietnam can position itself as a
leader in wind energy development in Southeast Asia.

Firstly, the foundation of Vietnam's wind energy advantage lies in its geography.
The extensive coastline – about 3,200 kilometers, especially in the south-central
and southern regions, acts as a natural conduit for strong and consistent winds
throughout the year. This consistency is further bolstered by Vietnam's unique
climate. The northeast monsoon in winter and the southwest monsoon in summer
create a reliable wind resource, unlike regions with more unpredictable weather
patterns. According to the Global Wind Atlas, it is estimated that more than 39%
of Vietnam's area has an average annual wind speed of over 6 m/s at an altitude of
65 m and more than 8% of Vietnam's land area has an average annual wind speed
of over 7 m/s.

Figure 2 shows the onshore wind resource of Vietnam. This wind resource atlas
shows that the highest wind resource in Vietnam are located along beach. This
figure also shows that wind speeds in the South and Middle of Vietnam are higher
than the wind speed in the North of Vietnam.

Secondly,besides the onshore wind energy, the potential for offshore wind
energy in Vietnam is also higher than one in other countries in ASEAN. It
is also estimated that the total wind energy in the southern middle coast and
in southern Vietnam is around 5,000 billion kWh per year. This power is
capable of supporting not only Vietnam’s need for electricity but also its
neighboring countries.

Figure 4 shows the potential of wind energy on the offshore of Vietnam. This
potential is estimated for wind resource at the height of 80m from sea surface. It
also shows that the ideal location for the installation of wind turbines in the
offshore of Vietnam is the south middle offshore. In this area, the mean wind speed
is around 10m/s.

The third potential is Supportive Policies and Incentives. Realizing the great
potential of the wind industry, the Government of Vietnam has introduced many
policies and incentives to promote the growth of this industry. One of them is FiTs,
which stands for Feed-in Tariffs. Vietnam first implemented this policy for wind
power in 2011. This decision established a framework for purchasing electricity
generated from wind power projects at a fixed price, known as the FiT. The FiT
was designed to provide a stable income stream for wind power developers and
encourage investment in the sector. In 13 years of applying the policy, Fits has
helped millions of Vietnamese households save electricity bills, contributing to
reduce dependence on the national electricity grid, thereby protecting the
environment.
In addition, there are many other policies and they aim to help businesses
overcome barriers in the process of developing their wind power business.

Overall, Vietnam's policy landscape demonstrates a strong commitment to wind

energy. By addressing existing challenges and continuously improving the
framework, Vietnam can unlock its full wind potential and become a leader in
Southeast Asia's clean energy production.
Conclu:

Through the presentation, everyone can see the huge benefits of wind energy. It not
only brings great benefits to the environment but also helps the economy grow
significantly. In Vietnam, wind energy development is an important and promising
direction, not only ensuring energy security and minimizing the impact of industry
on the environment, but also creating a new source of income for the country. We
need to promote cooperation with advanced countries in the field of wind energy,
share experiences and technologies to optimize the efficiency of projects. At the
same time, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for businesses to invest in
wind energy, thereby helping to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainable
development of the wind energy industry in Vietnam. On that basis, we hope that
Vietnam will continue to contribute in no small part to building a more sustainable
and prosperous future for both the country and the world.