A significant milestone in the burgeoning energy partnership between Vietnam and the United Kingdom unfolded recently as a Vietnamese Energy Trade Delegation embarked on a pivotal five-day mission across London, Hull, and Grimsby in the Humber region. This initiative, orchestrated by the British Embassy in Hanoi and the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in the offshore wind power sector, a field poised for rapid growth in Vietnam.
The delegation, comprising 12 key representatives from Vietnam’s Electricity Regulatory Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and the Petrovietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC), engaged in a series of high-profile events and site visits from June 16 to 23, 2025. Their agenda was clear: to absorb the United Kingdom's extensive expertise, explore opportunities for cooperation, and establish connections with potential partners in one of the world’s most advanced offshore wind industries.
Earlier, in October 2024, a reciprocal visit by a UK Energy Trade Delegation consisting of 17 leading British enterprises specializing in offshore wind, green hydrogen, and energy storage had set the stage by exploring Vietnam’s market potential. This exchange underscores the mutual interest in strengthening ties within the clean energy domain.
During the initial phase of their UK visit, the Vietnamese delegation participated in a series of influential industry events in London. These included a seminar titled "Sharing UK experience in tendering and licensing offshore wind projects," the "Global Offshore Wind 2025" Conference and Exhibition, and an in-depth discussion on "Financial solutions for offshore wind projects in Vietnam." These forums brought together top-tier experts from both the public and private sectors of the UK’s energy industry, offering Vietnamese delegates a rare opportunity to glean practical insights and policy recommendations.
Experts at these events emphasized the importance of developing a robust legal framework and a resilient domestic supply chain to attract international investment and ensure effective project deployment. Vietnam’s ambitious goal is to reach an installed offshore wind capacity of 17,000 megawatts by 2035, a target that demands coordinated efforts in regulation, technology, and finance.
Beyond London, the delegation’s itinerary took them to Hull and Grimsby, heartlands of the Humber region’s offshore wind cluster, home to the renowned Hornsea projects—some of the largest offshore wind farms globally. Here, PTSC representatives toured key facilities, including the operations and maintenance company Xceco, Siemens Gamesa’s wind turbine blade manufacturing plant, the Grimsby Training Center, and the specialized port infrastructure in Grimsby.
These site visits illuminated the critical role of infrastructure development, private sector involvement, and long-term strategic planning in nurturing a thriving offshore wind industry. The hands-on exposure allowed Vietnamese delegates to appreciate the intricate ecosystem that supports the UK’s leadership in offshore wind, from manufacturing to skilled workforce training and port logistics.
PTSC also took the opportunity to present the positive strides Vietnam has made in its offshore wind sector, highlighting growing investments and technological advancements. This presentation captured the attention of UK partners and laid a solid foundation for future collaborations, signaling Vietnam’s readiness to integrate into the global offshore wind supply chain.
British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Alexandra Smith, underscored the significance of this partnership during discussions with the Vietnamese delegation. She stated, "Clean energy is the future not only for Vietnam but for the entire world. The United Kingdom highly values Vietnam’s commitment to installing 17 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2035 and its dedication to developing a comprehensive legal framework and supply chain. Private investment will play a crucial role in this capital-intensive and technically demanding industry. These commitments send a powerful message that attracts resources from around the globe."
Smith further affirmed the UK government’s stance as a reliable partner in Vietnam’s energy transition, highlighting initiatives such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the Vietnam Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind Research as concrete examples of effective bilateral cooperation. "Our collaborative initiatives will soon yield tangible results," she added.
She also emphasized the importance of expanding commercial ties, especially in technology provision and technical services, which are vital to accelerating offshore wind project development. "I am confident that these partnerships, particularly in commercial sectors, will expedite project timelines and help Vietnam meet its ambitious renewable energy targets," Smith remarked.
This exchange of expertise and strategic dialogue comes at a time when global energy landscapes are rapidly shifting towards sustainability. Vietnam’s offshore wind ambitions align with its broader commitments to sustainable development and carbon reduction, and the UK’s experience offers invaluable guidance on navigating the complex regulatory, financial, and technical challenges involved.
The Hornsea projects in the Humber region serve as a model of what is possible. Their scale, technological sophistication, and integrated supply chain demonstrate how sustained investment and policy support can transform energy infrastructure. Vietnam’s delegation’s exposure to these projects and associated facilities provides a blueprint for replicating similar successes back home.
Moreover, the partnership exemplifies how international cooperation can accelerate clean energy transitions. By combining Vietnam’s natural offshore wind potential with the UK’s industry expertise and technological innovations, both countries stand to benefit economically and environmentally.
As Vietnam moves forward with its target of 17,000MW offshore wind capacity by 2035, the lessons learned and connections forged during this UK visit will be instrumental. The engagement reflects a shared vision of a sustainable energy future powered by innovation, collaboration, and mutual support.
In sum, the Vietnamese delegation’s visit to the UK marks a critical step in cementing a dynamic and fruitful energy partnership. It highlights the growing global momentum behind offshore wind as a cornerstone of clean energy strategies and underscores the vital role of international partnerships in achieving ambitious climate and development goals.
