INTERVIEW WITH CM Group International Technology (CMIT Group)
CMIT is a consultancy and solutions company focused on renewable energy, offering innovative engineering and green energy solutions in Vietnam. This interview explores their journey, services, and vision for a sustainable future.
1.Kindly tell us something about your work profile/business, including yourself.
CM Group International Technology (CMIT) was established in 2018 as a specialized consultancy and solutions provider in renewable energy. Our team, comprising exceptional professionals with mechanical, electrical, and green energy engineering expertise, is committed to delivering high-quality technology services to clients across Vietnam. We collaborate to help clients achieve their business and project objectives through innovative solutions.
Our company has a clear mission: to provide diverse professional services that fulfill our clients’ needs and expectations regarding quality, timeliness, safety, and environmental impact. We believe in developing effective management practices that foster organizational growth and ethics while creating unique value in the renewable energy industry.
As a dynamic company headquartered in Hanoi, strategically positioned in the heart of Vietnam, we have quickly established ourselves as trusted partners in the renewable energy sector. We adhere to the highest quality control standards and understand our clients’ needs.
Mr. Cuong Tran Duc is the Managing Director at CMIT. He leads significant solar and wind energy projects and is crucial in integrating these technologies into Vietnam’s industrial landscape. Furthermore, Cuong’s expertise frequently highlights his extensive experience with global partners, equipping CMIT with valuable insights on the latest advancements in renewable energy and sustainability.
2. What made your company decide to develop in the Asian market, especially in Vietnam?
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and promising renewable energy markets. The Vietnamese government has firmly committed to sustainable development through various initiatives, including the recently approved national energy master plan for 2021 to 2030, which outlines a path toward 2050.
This supportive policy environment, combined with Vietnam’s ambitious targets for reducing emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in the national power mix (15-20% by 2030 and 65-70% by 2045), presents tremendous opportunities for companies specializing in green energy solutions, like ours. Furthermore, Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and rising energy demands create an ideal market for innovative energy solutions. The country’s 3,000 kilometers of coastline and abundant solar and wind resources provide excellent natural conditions for renewable energy development. These factors and the government’s commitment to transitioning to a low-carbon economy position Vietnam as the perfect choice for our company to establish and expand its operations.
3. How has your professional career or your company’s career developed since then?
Since our founding in 2018, CMIT has experienced significant growth and development. We have expanded our service offerings and established valuable partnerships with industry leaders and clients across Vietnam.
Our notable partnership with Spanish companies, the global leaders in partial discharge detection, smart earthing, and lightning solutions, is a significant advancement in developing innovative solutions for the energy sector in Southeast Asia. By leveraging Spanish expertise in predictive maintenance alongside CMIT’s regional market presence, the initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and reliability in power systems throughout the region. This relationship has significantly enhanced our technical capabilities and service offerings, providing our clients with the best solutions.
More recently, CMIT was selected for a consulting role to enhance the sustainability of cement production processes. This collaboration, which aligns with the Vietnamese government’s commitment to greener industrial practices, represents a strategic move to integrate renewable energy solutions into traditional industrial operations, reinforcing our commitment to the government’s sustainability goals.
Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability has been the guiding force behind our growth trajectory. By consistently delivering high-quality solutions that address our clients’ specific needs, we have built a reputation as a reliable partner in Vietnam’s renewable energy sector. Our clients can trust us to deliver the best solutions that meet their needs and contribute to a sustainable future.
4. As far as your sector stands today, what services does CMIT offer its clients?
CMIT offers a comprehensive range of innovative and reliable services focused on engineering and green energy solutions. Our service portfolio includes:
- Green Energy Solutions: We specialize in crafting tailored renewable energy systems that empower our clients to slash their carbon footprint while saving on energy costs.
- Reliability Improvement Solutions: Our mission is to enhance the reliability of electrical equipment and systems. We deliver expert solutions that ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently.
- Engineering Consulting: Our knowledgeable team is here to provide insightful advice on the technical nuances of renewable energy projects, guiding you to make informed decisions.
- Project Management: From the initial spark of an idea to the final implementation, our experienced professionals expertly manage renewable energy projects, guaranteeing quality and regulatory compliance every step.
Through these services, we aim to be a one-stop solution provider that helps our clients transition to cleaner, more sustainable, and reliable energy sources.
5. What are the biggest challenges for this sector in the future?
The renewable energy sector in Vietnam faces several significant challenges that will shape its development in the coming years:
First, there’s the integration challenge. As Vietnam’s renewable energy capacity increases, the grid infrastructure needs substantial modernization to accommodate intermittent power sources like solar and wind. The recently approved National Power Master Plan 8 Adjustment (PDP8 Adjustment) acknowledges this need for grid enhancement.
Second, we face financing challenges. While the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Declaration provides some framework for international support, securing adequate funding for large-scale renewable projects remains difficult, especially for smaller companies.
Third, there’s a skills gap in the industry. The rapid growth of renewable energy requires a workforce with specialized technical skills. As highlighted in research on Vietnam’s education system, improved STEM education and technical training are needed to support this growing sector.
Fourth, regulatory frameworks continue to evolve. While Vietnam has made significant strides in establishing supportive policies, these are still developing and sometimes create uncertainty for investors and developers.
Finally, technology adoption presents both challenges and opportunities. Research on digitization in Vietnam indicates that the country faces some disadvantages in the global digital landscape due to human, technical, and financial resource limitations. This affects the renewable energy sector’s ability to implement the most advanced technologies.
Despite these challenges, we believe the sector has tremendous potential for growth, especially as Vietnam continues to implement its ambitious plans for energy transition and sustainable development.
6. What type of promotional and communication campaigns do you work on?
Our approach to promotion and communication centers on demonstrating our expertise and building lasting relationships within the industry. Rather than traditional advertising, we focus on knowledge sharing, partnership building, and direct engagement with potential clients.
We actively participate in industry seminars and events, where we introduce energy-saving solutions for industrial applications. These events let us showcase our technical expertise while connecting with industry peers and potential clients.
Strategic partnerships form another cornerstone of our communication strategy. Our collaboration with Spanish companies enhances our service capabilities and increases our visibility in the market.
We also leverage digital platforms to share insights about renewable energy developments in Vietnam. Our social media platform features news and updates about significant policy developments, such as the approval of the National Power Master Plan 8 Adjustment (PDP8 Adjustment) and Direct Power Purchase Mechanism (DPPA), which helps position us as informed industry experts.
Additionally, we engage with industry associations and chambers of commerce, like the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, and EuroCham to expand our network and create opportunities for business development. These relationships help us connect with international companies seeking development opportunities in Vietnam’s renewable energy and utility power sector.
Through these targeted communication efforts, we aim to build a reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable partner in Vietnam’s transition to sustainable energy.
7. What is your advice to companies interested in your services?
For companies looking to embrace renewable energy solutions or business development in Vietnam, I would offer several pieces of advice based on our experience:
First, renewable energy should be approached as a compliance measure and a strategic business advantage. The transition to clean energy offers benefits beyond sustainability, including cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, and reduced regulatory risks. Companies that consider sustainability integral to their business strategy achieve the best results.
Second, understand that localization matters. While global best practices are valuable, Vietnam’s specific market conditions, regulatory environment, and technical infrastructure require customized approaches. Working with a partner who understands these local nuances can save significant time and resources.
Third, adopt a long-term perspective. Renewable energy investments typically deliver returns over time, so evaluating projects based on their life-cycle benefits rather than just upfront costs is essential. The Vietnamese government’s commitment to renewable energy through its master plans until 2050 creates a stable environment for long-term planning.
Fourth, start with a comprehensive energy audit. Before implementing solutions, it’s crucial to understand your current energy consumption patterns and identify the most impactful areas for improvement. This allows for more targeted and effective interventions.
Finally, look for partners who offer end-to-end solutions. The renewable energy landscape involves complex technical, financial, and regulatory considerations. Working with a company that can guide you through all implementation aspects, from initial assessment to ongoing maintenance, ensures a smoother transition.
By following these principles, companies can effectively navigate Vietnam’s renewable energy landscape and maximize the benefits of their sustainability initiatives.
8. Please tell us a little about your company’s plans for Vietnam.
CMIT has ambitious plans aligned with Vietnam’s national power development strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. We are positioning ourselves to play a significant role in helping Vietnam achieve its targets of increasing renewable energy in the national power mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
One of our key focus areas will be expanding our capabilities in power grid reliability improvement, which is critical for addressing the intermittency challenges of renewable energy sources. As Vietnam integrates more solar and wind power into its grid, efficient grid reliability solutions will become increasingly important.
We also plan to strengthen our expertise in innovative smart technologies and energy management systems. These technologies are essential for optimizing energy use and efficiently integrating distributed renewable energy resources.
Regarding market expansion, we aim to extend our services beyond major urban centers to support renewable energy adoption in Vietnam’s developing regions. This aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring more balanced development nationwide.
Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with international technology providers to facilitate knowledge transfer and bring cutting-edge renewable energy solutions to the Vietnamese market.
Finally, we plan to invest in building local technical capacity through training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Research on Vietnam’s education system has shown that developing human resources in STEM fields is crucial for technological advancement.
Through these strategic initiatives, CMIT is committed to contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable development while growing as a business and establishing itself as a leading provider of renewable energy solutions in the region.
Many thanks to C.M.I.T for sharing your experience with us. For futher information, you can visit the company’s website here: https://www.cmit-group.com/home