At COP26 in 2021, Vietnam committed to achieving net zero emissions by 0. To achieve this goal, Vietnam must promote renewable energy such as wind and solar while simultaneously developing energy storage infrastructure. This is where BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) – a large-scale battery storage system – becomes an important bridge to balance supply and demand and reduce emissions.
What is BESS and why is it relevant to Net-Zero?
BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) is an electricity storage system using lithium-ion batteries or other advanced battery technologies, allowing the storage of excess electricity from renewable energy sources for use at times of high load or when generation is reduced.
According to the IEA (International Energy Agency) Global Energy Storage 2023, global BESS systems will increase from ~170 GW in 2023 to over 1.194 GW in 2030, demonstrating an indispensable role in the energy transition.
See also: What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
BESS helps Vietnam deeply integrate renewable energy
Stabilizing the grid when the wind/solar ratio increases
- BESS helps reduce “curtailment” – a common problem when there is excess renewable energy.
- According to the IRENA Grid Flexibility Report 2022, installing BESS can reduce up to 20–25% of renewable electricity is cut in countries with rapid growth in renewable energy
Meet peak loads without peaker plants
- In many countries, oil/gas fired power plants are mobilized to meet peak loads, with high emissions and inefficiency.
- BESS can provide instantaneous power, gradually replacing these “speaker plants”, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Increasing flexibility for Vietnam's power system
- Especially important in the South and Central regions.
The role of BESS in reducing emissions and moving towards Net-Zero
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Direct CO₂ reduction: BESS does not generate new electricity but optimizes the use of clean electricity, reducing the need to operate fossil fuel plants.
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Load balancing support: Providing frequency regulation and spinning reserve services.
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Contribute to reducing investment in new transmission infrastructure: According to BloombergNEF Energy Storage Market Outlook 2024, BESS could reduce 15–20% grid upgrade needs in markets with high proportion of renewable energy.
BESS – Enhancing National Energy Security
Energy security Not only is there enough electricity, but it is also a stable supply, less dependent on external factors.
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Grid stabilization: BESS provides instant backup power in the event of a grid failure.
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Reducing dependence on fuel imports: Less oil/gas purchases required to operate peaking plants.
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Reduce the risk of local power outages: On-site energy storage (BESS) for key industrial zones.
According to the IEA Energy Security Report 2023, countries with large energy storage systems will be less affected by fluctuations in global fuel prices.
BESS & ESG Standards – Enhancing Export Competitiveness
Global trade trends increasingly emphasize ESG (Environment – Social – Governance)Vietnamese businesses that want to export to the EU and the US must prove they reduce their carbon footprint.
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BESS reduces carbon footprint in manufacturing: Store electricity from renewable sources to operate the plant.
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Meet green supply chain standards: The EU CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) requires emissions transparency.
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Safety & International Certifications: UL9540, IEC62933, NFPA855, CSC for BESS containers help businesses meet international standards and export easily.
Vietnam has advantages in developing BESS Containers
Vietnam's strengths:
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Long-term mechanical & steel structure: Manufacturers like Taiyo Energy have over 26 years of experience in the field of steel structures
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CSC inspection station at the factory: Help BESS containers meet international export standards
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Convenient logistics location: Near seaport, easy to transport containers to international markets
BESS is becoming a “key bridge” in Vietnam’s journey to Net-Zero 2050: integrating renewable energy more deeply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving energy security and meeting ESG standards. In this context, developing BESS container production in Vietnam is both an opportunity and a responsibility to enhance national and business competitiveness. Engineers, policymakers and businesses need to work together to build a clear BESS investment framework and roadmap, bringing Vietnam closer to the goal of net-zero emissions.
