Challenges and Solutions for Integrating Traditional and Renewable Energy in Vietnam: The Role of Pumped Storage Hydropower

As the world strives to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement, the transition to renewable energy has become imperative, especially for Vietnam, which is shifting towards wind and solar power to meet international environmental commitments. However, integrating traditional and renewable energy into the national grid poses significant challenges, including the intermittent nature of renewables, grid stability issues, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient energy storage. To address these challenges, several key solutions are proposed: regulating the dispatch of existing hydropower, developing energy storage systems like pumped storage hydropower (PSP), creating suitable investment models, upgrading grid infrastructure with smart technologies, providing financial support for renewable projects, refining the regulatory framework, and training skilled personnel. This study examines the role of PSP in Vietnam's renewable energy transition, focusing on the one specifically PSP as a case study (considering as Kim Son - Thuong Song Tri PSP project with capacity over 300 MW). By analyzing its technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental aspects, the research aims to clarify PSP's contributions and propose effective integration strategies for traditional and renewable energy sources. The findings underscore PSH's potential to enhance grid reliability while highlighting challenges in investment models and policy support, offering valuable insights for optimizing energy storage and renewable investments in Vietnam.