Low-carbon energy tracking 2024
Overview
The University of Danang – University of Science and Technology (UD-DUT) actively promotes the use and monitoring of low-carbon and renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to environmental protection, and progress toward a carbon-neutral campus by 2045.
1. Solar Photovoltaic Systems
UD-DUT is the first university in Central Vietnam to pioneer the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The university currently operates three monitored solar power systems with a total installed capacity exceeding 56 kWp, generating an average of 82 MWh/year (approximately 295 GJ/year). These systems supply around 7–8% of the university’s total electricity consumption and have contributed to an estimated reduction of more than 142 tons of CO₂ emissions since operation began.
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No.
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System Name
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Capacity / Components
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Partner / Sponsor
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Main Purpose
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1
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DUT – SolarBK System
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49.6 kWp (160 IREX 310 Wp solar panels over 331 m², operational since Nov 1, 2017)
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SolarBK Group
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First rooftop solar PV system among universities in Central Vietnam; provides about 7.1% of annual electricity use and helps save 4.8–7.1% in electricity costs
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2
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EPC Solar Vietnam System
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30 panels, 4 SMA SB3000TL-21 inverters
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EPC Solar Vietnam JSC
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Installed at the Industrial Informatics Laboratory, used for student training and internships on renewable energy technologies
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3
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CRC Solar System
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12 panels, 6.6 kW 3-phase grid-tie inverter (KTLX-G3-Sofar)
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CRC Solar Factory – Da Nang Hi-tech Park
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Installed at the Power Workshop, Faculty of Transport Mechanical Engineering, for student research and laboratory experiments
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Images of 3 solar power systems installed at The University of Danang
Evidences:
2. Energy Monitoring and Data Management
All solar power systems are equipped with digital energy meters and connected to an online monitoring and data management platform. The system automatically records:
- Renewable electricity generation (kWh/year)
- Share of total campus energy use (%)
- CO₂ emissions avoided (tons/year)
- Cost savings from renewable electricity
The collected data are used by the Facility and Energy Management Unit to evaluate annual energy performance and to plan the transition toward a carbon-neutral university. To date, measurements show total savings of over 61 million VND and a CO₂ emission reduction of 142 tons.
- Evidence of DUT – SolarBK system:
- Evidence of EPC Solar Vietnam system:
- Evidence of CRC Solar system:
3. Integration into Education and Research
The solar power systems are incorporated into undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to renewable energy, electrical engineering, and sustainable development.
Students also use the monitored systems for hands-on research projects on solar performance and energy efficiency, enhancing practical learning outcomes and sustainability awareness.
4. Expansion within The University of Danang
Beyond UD-DUT, other member universities have also adopted renewable energy practices. For instance, the University of Technology and Education (UD-UTE) has installed solar-powered streetlights across its campus to further promote energy conservation and reduce carbon emissions.
5. Summary
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Metric
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Value
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Unit / Description
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Total solar PV capacity
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56
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kWp
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Renewable electricity generation
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> 82 (> 295)
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MWh/year (GJ/year)
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Share of total electricity consumption
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7–8
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%
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CO₂ emissions reduced
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> 142
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tons
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Digital monitoring system
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Yes
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Automated data collection and reporting
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Integrated into teaching/research
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Yes
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Used in courses and student projects
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Conclusion
The deployment and continuous monitoring of multiple solar energy systems at UD-DUT demonstrate the university’s strong commitment to low-carbon operations, sustainability education, and measurable climate action, aligning with SDG 13 – Climate Action and the University of Danang’s long-term sustainability strategy.