In Bac Lieu, Vietnam, a region aspiring to become a prominent shrimp farming hub, the fusion of renewable energy and agriculture is gaining traction. The innovative approach of using solar power for shrimp farming has piqued the interest of local farmers, with around 44 organizations and individuals in Bac Lieu province already investing in solar energy systems covering approximately 70 hectares of shrimp farming areas.

Reducing Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

One of the primary advantages of this innovative approach is the reduction in electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The initial investment may be relatively high, but it’s an investment worth making, as it leads to long-term cost savings. The initial investment was made more manageable with 70% funding from the Bread for the World Organization.

Reducing Reliance on Costly Grid Electricity

Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of Bac Lieu Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted that many shrimp farming households currently rely on costly grid electricity, driving up production expenses. Solar energy offers the potential to reduce electricity consumption by 40-50% for high-tech shrimp farming operations, aligning with certification criteria like ASC and BAP, which consumers value for environmentally friendly products.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the clear benefits, the integration of shrimp farming and renewable energy faces some challenges. There is a lack of government policies promoting this approach, and the current grid infrastructure limits the capacity of solar power systems. In some cases, projects have prioritized solar power without effectively integrating it into shrimp farming operations. Additionally, the substantial initial investment is a hurdle, especially for small-scale farmers who have difficulty accessing loans due to collateral requirements.

The Way Forward

The agriculture sector in Bac Lieu province believes that renewable energy in shrimp farming is the right direction, promoting environmentally friendly practices and improving product quality. They are hopeful for supportive policies from the government and clearer procedures to enable all shrimp farmers to adopt this sustainable model.