Vietnam has tremendous potential solar energy resources and its Power Development Plan calls for 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030. This transition in the energy sector creates a new market for modern technologies as well as supportive business opportunities. In addition to helping the Vietnamese Government establish effective policies that attract private sector investment for renewable energy, USAID’s Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program (V-LEEP) also aims to help private companies finance, create and build renewable energy projects. On October 13, V-LEEP and Sao Mai Group (a local multi-sectoral company based in An Giang province) signed a Letter of Support, under which V-LEEP will provide technical assistance to help Sao Mai Group develop Vietnam’s first large utility-scale solar project - a 210 megawatt solar farm in Tinh Bien district. V-LEEP will bring key players in government, engineering and finance together to facilitate a successful project. So What? As Vietnam’s demand for energy grows by 10 to 12 percent annually, solar energy farm projects like Sao Mai’s will help the country meet this demand, strengthen energy security and minimize environmental impact.