Using renewable energy helps the problem of air pollution in urban areas. (Photo: congthuong.vn)
USAID Vietnam Urban Energy Security is a four-year (2019-2023), USD14 million project to promote deployment of advanced, distributed energy solutions in urban areas in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. It addresses Vietnam’s rapidly growing energy demand and air pollution in urban areas by working with city governments and creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The project supports the deployment of advanced, distributed energy solutions such as rooftop solar, electric vehicles, waste-to-energy, and other energy efficiency solutions. At its completion, the project aims to achieve some high-level expected results in Da Nang, including at least 40 megawatts of advanced, distributed energy systems deployed; at least USD60 million in public and private investment mobilized for advanced, distributed urban energy systems and at least five innovative solutions to address urban energy and environment issues demonstrated and/or commercialized.
“USAID is helping Vietnam transition to a more resilient energy sector, powered by renewable energy,” said USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock. “We are excited to work with Danang to promote clean energy in the region, provide access to technical expertise, and become a global convening center to help Vietnam realize its goals in renewable energy.”
Da Nang is viewed as among the most dynamic, green, and smart cities in Vietnam. Investing in renewable energy and other advanced energy efficiency solutions will increase the competitiveness of the city, attract green investments, and directly benefit the citizens of the city with a cleaner environment. In addition, these solutions also contribute to the long-term mitigation of the impact of climate change to the city and its citizens. The Da Nang City authority has a strong commitment to respond to climate change, protect the environment and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and has set priorities to accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment with specific targets and action plans such as the Rooftop Solar Promotion Action Plan, the Renewable Energy Action Plan, the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan, and the Energy Conservation & Efficiency Action Plan.
USAID is providing technical support to the Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade in operationalizing these strategies by establishing the Clean Energy Development Task Force to support the DOIT as well as power company to improve urban energy resilience and energy security; developing an Energy Efficiency Award for the city to recognize local enterprises who have implemented energy efficiency measures; and undertaking a study to review city and national level regulations, policies and mechanisms to implement and enforce the Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2020 – 2030.
Over the past five years, USAID has committed over USD40 million to support the energy sector in Vietnam and plans to commit an additional USD36 million over the next five years./.