Environmental research

Nowadays due to improved income and living standards, demand for hot water by Vietnamese households has been increased. It is estimated that there are currently two million electricity-run water heating equipment at average capacity of 2.5 kW/equipment or 5,000 MW for the two million equipment) is in use in Vietnamese households. Increased installation and use of water heating equipment in households, hotels and restaurants, which accounts for about 30% of electricity demand during rush hour, has been one of the major causes of shortage of electricity supply and consequently power cut especially during rush hour. Total electricity consumed for 2 million water heaters is approximately 730. 106 kWh per annum and the CO2 emission averages 0.6kg/kWh. As a result, use of solar energy-powered water heaters is a good alternative to save energy and reduce CO2 emission in hot water supply. Vietnam has great potential for solar energy due to its geographical and climate conditions. Despite this, use of solar energy especially for hot water heating purpose has been insignificant. There are many obstacles to using solar energy among which are the lack of economically viable models, lack of documented evaluation, advocacy activities and lack of community involvement. However, the Government of Vietnam has recently appreciated the importance of renewable energy sources and solar energy in particular. The National Energy Development Strategy issued in December 2007 targeted 3% and 5% of contribution of renewable energy by 2010 and 2020, respectively. As a result, the Government has taken action to encourage people to save electricity and use other energy sources including solar energy as alternatives to electricity. Nevertheless, there are barriers to promoting solar water heaters in urban Vietnam, including: limited community awareness, technological issues (improper installation or poor positioning leading to inefficient solar energy absorption, compatibility with existing water heating system), lack of policy support, cost of purchase and installation). The project proposes to address those issues through: - Advocacy for use of solar water heater as an alternative to solar energy via advocacy materials, newspapers and television and women s unions activities. - Developing and refining sample installation protocol (for urban areas) to ensure the most solar energy absorption) - Developing technological solution to connect the solar water heater to the existing electricity-powered heater - Reducing installation cost - Recommend policy supports from results and lessons learnt from analysis of socio, economic and environmental impacts from using the solar water heaters - Provide some financial support as an initial incentive for the targeted households to participate in the demonstration model Selection of solar water heaters The tube-like winged heaters with diameter (10 14mm) should not be used due to rapid CACO3 deposition, which reduce the lifespan and equipment proficiency. Analysis of Ha Noi weather condition and the available heaters in the market has shown that the most suitable heaters at reasonable price for Vietnamese families is the glass vacuum tube with reserve, which is installed in Vietnam, supplied by companies like Tan A, Anh Duong, Sunny, Thai Duong Nang, Quang Nang, and the flat winged, vacuum tube made in China and produced by Ha Noi University of Technology. These types of heaters are highly efficient, replaceable with reasonable price. The site selected for the demonstration model is Hai Ba Trung District in Ha Noi, targeted households and some kindergartens. Long-term objective: To promote use of solar water heaters in households and the service sector in Vietnam to reduce reliance on the limited power supply and fossil fuels such as coal and oil used for electricity production and reduce rush hour demand on the national electricity supply. Immediate objectives: - To introduce and develop demonstration model for use of solar water heaters in households and public service sector with appropriate design, installation and operation protocols - To enhance awareness and strengthen knowledge and technical capacity for the community, the local government and social organizations so that the models can be replicated - Document lessons learnt and produce guidelines on the demonstration models to enable nation-wide multiplication. Output A demonstration model of effective use of solar water heaters which are designed and installed for households and some service utility premises in Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi is successful and can be wide accepted for replication in other areas Major activities: - Advocate all members of the community to participate - Develop a model of effective use of solar water heaters - Install solar water heaters for the participating households and other premise owners. + Determine the correct location and positioning for installation + Purchase the heaters and necessary accessories + Connect solar water heaters to the existing heating system + Provide guidance on operation, maintenance of the equipment + Advocacy + Document and publish technical guidelines

Vietnam