On December 15, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long held a working meeting with representatives of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

At the meeting, IRENA announced that Vietnam had officially become a member of the agency as of November 7, following the completion of accession procedures in accordance with its regulations. This milestone marks an important step in Vietnam’s deepening international integration in the field of renewable energy and sustainable energy transition.

Vietnam’s accession to IRENA is in line with the Party’s and the State’s policies on energy transition, renewable energy development and green growth, and is consistent with key orientations set out in Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context and Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW on ensuring national energy security to 2030, with a vision to 2045, issued by the Politburo, as well as the National Energy Development Strategy and Vietnam’s international commitments made at COP26 toward achieving net-zero emissions.

IRENA is the world’s leading organization in renewable energy, established in 2009, with a current membership of 170 countries and the European Union. The agency plays a central role in supporting countries in policy and strategy development, access to technology, data and analysis, and in promoting cooperation and investment in renewable energy.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long emphasized: “Vietnam’s official accession to IRENA marks an important step in the international integration of the energy sector, creating favorable conditions for Vietnam to enhance policy exchanges, access databases, analysis and technical assistance to support planning and the development of renewable energy and the energy transition in line with approved orientations.”

Participation in IRENA enables Vietnam to access comprehensive data systems, reports and in-depth analyses on global renewable energy trends; strengthen experience-sharing and access to advanced technologies; and enhance capacity in policy formulation and in designing roadmaps for renewable energy development suited to domestic conditions.

Within the IRENA framework, Vietnam will also have greater opportunities to connect with international financial institutions, development partners and investors, thereby promoting the mobilization of investment resources for renewable energy and new energy projects such as offshore wind power, solar power, green hydrogen and energy storage solutions.

An IRENA representative stated: “We highly appreciate Vietnam’s energy development policies, including those on renewable energy, and believe that Vietnam’s accession to IRENA will open up many practical opportunities for cooperation in policy support, project development and resource mobilization for the energy transition.”

Vietnam’s accession to IRENA demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to proactive and responsible participation in global efforts to address climate change, develop clean energy, and ensure energy security in tandem with sustainable socio-economic development.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will closely coordinate with IRENA and relevant partners to effectively implement cooperation activities, fully leverage technical assistance, policy advice and cooperation opportunities offered by IRENA, in line with Vietnam’s energy development orientations.