Seminar: "New Materials Technology and Renewable Energy for Marine Economic Development"

To strengthen and expand cooperation with reputable scientists, and to seek opportunities for collaboration in research and postgraduate training, and to build research groups, the Institute of Advanced Technology (IAST) proposes to organize a seminar on "New Materials Technology and Renewable Energy for Marine Economic Development" with the following information:

• Time: 2:00 PM on July 4, 2025.
• Location: Room 604, IAST Office in Hanoi.
• Format: In-person and online.

The seminar will feature presentations from 06 speakers, including:

1.Dr. Du Van Toan presenting on "Global Trends in Marine Economic Investment and Suggestions for Vietnam by 2050"

Abstract:

This report identifies six marine economic sectors globally that require significant space for development: oil and gas, wind power, shipbuilding, fishing, marine aquaculture, and desalination. The total surface area of the world's oceans is 360 million km$^2$, of which approximately 140 million km$^2$ belong to the exclusive economic zones of various countries. Coastal nations are implementing national marine spatial planning within their waters, especially in shallow, nearshore areas where marine economic activities are vibrant. Specifically, shallow waters (depths less than 50m) and areas up to about 50 km from the coast are scientifically utilized by coastal countries. By 2050, the offshore wind power sector alone is projected to use approximately 300,000 km$^2$ of surface area, and marine aquaculture could require up to 100,000 km$^2$, accounting for less than 1% of the ocean's surface.

Currently, 80% of global marine economic investment comes from the oil and gas sector, with offshore wind spending being a negligible nearly 10%. This indicates that the marine economy will undergo rapid structural shifts, and the space allocated to marine economic sectors will also change depending on each country's marine economic development orientation/strategy.

Vietnam has approximately 1 million km$^2$ of sea surface. With sustainable marine economic development policies, as outlined in Resolution 36/NQ-TW in 2018 on sustainable marine economic development until 2030 with a vision to 2050, six main marine economic sectors have been described. According to Power Master Plan 8, aiming for net zero by 2050, offshore wind power will reach 140 GW, requiring an area of nearly 14,000 km$^2$. Alongside the offshore wind power sector, a comprehensive system of policies and laws for green marine economic development in general, and offshore wind power in particular, is needed.

2.Mr. Pham Quoc Hung presenting on "Application of Emission-Free Pyrolysis Technology for Renewable Energy Recovery in Coastal Waste Treatment and Marine Economic Development Activities"

Abstract:

As the marine economy plays an increasingly crucial role in national sustainable development strategies, the issue of coastal waste and waste generated from aquaculture and fishing activities (such as plastic tarpaulins, foam buoys, barrels, nylon packaging, rags, oil and grease, waste plastics, etc.) poses a major environmental challenge. These types of waste are difficult to decompose, often exist as unsorted mixtures, are challenging to treat using traditional methods, and cause serious pollution to marine ecosystems, water quality, and coastal landscapes – especially in concentrated marine farming areas and coastal fishing ports.

The emission-free waste treatment technology combined with renewable energy recovery through pyrolysis, which we have developed, has shown high feasibility in treating the complex mixed waste mentioned above. The technological process uses low temperatures (around 300°C) in an absolute gas environment, which limits the formation of secondary pollutants such as dioxins/furans. The waste conversion process yields three valuable product streams: syngas, renewable liquid fuel, and biochar.

The resulting gas and fuel have high calorific value (over 5000 kcal/kg) and can be used directly to supply heat to boilers or turbine-generator sets, generating electricity for on-site use at fishing logistics facilities, marine aquaculture, or even integrated into the national grid. Biochar can be utilized for water treatment in aquaculture, coastal soil improvement, or as an adsorbent.

This technology not only solves environmental problems in an "emission-free" manner but also contributes to realizing the marine circular economy model – transforming waste into an energy resource for reinvestment in marine economic activities. This is a new strategic direction, particularly suitable for the sustainable marine economic development orientation stated in Resolution 36/NQ-TW in 2018 and consistent with Vietnam's commitment to green transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

3.Dr. Pham Thanh Dam presenting on "Research and Development of a Concrete Floating Foundation Model for 15 MW Offshore Wind Turbines"

Abstract:

The development of large-capacity offshore wind turbines, especially at 15 MW, requires high-performance, durable, and cost-effective floating foundation solutions. This study focuses on developing a concrete floating foundation model for 15 MW offshore wind turbines, aiming to gradually replace traditional steel structures. Concrete offers numerous advantages such as low production costs, long lifespan, good corrosion resistance in marine environments, and suitability for domestic production in many countries developing renewable energy. The model is built based on a semi-submersible structure, integrating aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, and marine environmental loads. The study analyzes the dynamic characteristics of the system using simulation tools like OpenFAST to evaluate natural oscillations, response under wave and wind loads, and stresses in the concrete structure. The results show that concrete floating foundations have high potential for application in large-capacity offshore wind power projects due to their economic viability, durability, and suitability for local production conditions.

4.Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Dong presenting on "Enabling Intelligent Multi-Modular Structures for Ocean Energy Harvesting"

Abstract:

Solar energy is forecasted to be a major contribution to meeting global energy demand by 2050. Offshore solar platforms offer a promising solution by utilizing abundant areas available at sea, but their high cost and harsh conditions can be a challenge. This presentation discusses a novel idea of creating intelligent multi-modular offshore platforms designed to harvest solar energy. While the multi-modular design allows for covering vast ocean areas, it also introduces complexities related to potential high load at the connectors and wake effects. The key innovation lies in investigating active control of structural dynamics by using the connection points as actuators, allowing the platform dynamic to adapt to changing sea states, mitigating the risk of resonances. By adjusting the stiffness of the connectors, the platform's natural frequencies can be shifted away from dominant excitation frequencies. Previous studies have explored semi-active and active connectors capable of adjusting their stiffness. Additionally, various optimization approaches have been investigated to determine the optimal stiffness of settings for these connectors, e.g. Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP). This presentation covers three main areas of development at the department of Marine Technology, NTNU: (1) the conceptual modeling of intelligent structures, (2) preliminary simulation and experimental results validating the feasibility of these adaptive connectors, and (3) the exploration of control algorithms for optimal performance. The findings demonstrate the potential of smart structures to revolutionize the construction and operation of cost-efficient offshore solar energy platforms, contributing to the transition to renewable energy on a global scale.

5.Dr. Dinh Thanh Binh presenting on "Applications of Particle Accelerator in Material Science and Medical Treatment"

Abstract:

High Energy Physics (HEP) intersects with materials science in various ways. While HEP and its tool particle accelerators primarily focuses on the fundamental building blocks of matter and their interactions, materials science deals with the properties, structure, and synthesis of materials, including how they behave at the atomic and subatomic level. This intersection is evident in several areas, including the development of advanced materials and the study of exotic states of matter. In this talk, we will discuss the application of HEP in Materials Development such as Ion Beam Processing and Creating Microporous Membranes.

6.Dr. Duong Van Thiet presenting on "Proposing a Research Cooperation Model Between Universities and Research Institutes in Vietnam and the Current State of Materials Research at Hanoi University of Industry"

Abstract:

This report proposes a research cooperation model between universities and research institutes in Vietnam, aiming to promote the development of science and technology, especially in the field of materials and industrial systems. Based on a survey and analysis of the current state of scientific research activities at various units within Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), the paper clarifies the advantages, difficulties, and gaps in the research implementation process. From there, a cooperation model is proposed based on resource linkage, sharing research infrastructure, and sharing scientific development strategies among units. This model is expected to enhance research quality, optimize resources, and generate the most effective scientific and technological products among the units.

7.Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Viet presenting on "Development of Advanced Materials via Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering: Microstructure and Enhanced Properties"

Abstract:

Mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) have emerged as powerful, complementary techniques for designing and fabricating advanced materials with tailored microstructures and enhanced properties. This review highlights recent progress in the development of diverse material systems—ranging from high-entropy alloys, nanocrystalline metals, and intermetallics to composites and functional ceramics—via the synergistic combination of MA and SPS. MA enables the synthesis of homogeneous, fine powders and metastable phases, while SPS provides rapid densification at reduced temperatures, limiting grain growth and preserving nanostructures. Through detailed characterization—including SEM, TEM, XRD, and mechanical testing—studies consistently report significant improvements in strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability across various alloy and composite systems. The influence of processing parameters on microstructure evolution and property optimization is also critically discussed. Overall, the integration of MA and SPS offers a versatile and efficient route for engineering next-generation structural and functional materials, addressing the increasing demands in aerospace, energy, and other high-performance applications.