Affirming clean energy determination

In the afternoon of December 3, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam held the 4th Steering Committee meeting of the Vietnam - EU Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (SETP).

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long and Ambassador of the EU to Vietnam Julien Guerrier co-chaired the meeting.

The meeting aimed to review the progress of the implementation of the budget support component and additional support projects within the framework of the SETP Program. As well as to seek the Steering Committee’s direction, guidance and official approval of the Annual Work Plan of the additional support projects.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long said the meeting is an annual platform to review updates, assessments of progress, and the overall implementation of ongoing projects.

“The SETP program has delivered highly positive results, especially as Vietnam is undergoing a major transformation to advance its energy transition following its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at COP26. In the current context, we can see even more clearly the pivotal role of the EU and other partners in supporting Vietnam, as well as many other countries, in continuing along this challenging path ahead,” Deputy Minister Long emphasized.

According to the Deputy Minister, with the coordination of relevant organizations and units under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the parties have been actively implementing projects within the framework of the SETP Program.

He added that Vietnam has recently received strong messages and commitments from EU leaders regarding continued support and cooperation with partner countries, including Vietnam even the possibility of considering new cooperation programs.

“However, to secure new programs, we must demonstrate that the ongoing cooperation initiatives are being implemented effectively, practically and delivering benefits to both sides - first and foremost to Vietnam, its people and the agencies carrying out the SETP Program,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Also at the event, the EU Ambassador to Vietnam noted that this year is particularly special as it marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and Vietnam. Over the past decades, the partnership has evolved into a deep and enduring relationship built on mutual trust, shared priorities, and a common vision for sustainable development.

“In this context, energy cooperation lies at the heart of our partnership. Through the SETP Program, we are proud to support Vietnam in accelerating its green transition, helping its energy sector become cleaner and more flexible,” Ambassador Guerrier said.

In addition, Ambassador Julien Guerrier said that with Vietnam’s approval of the revised Power Master Plan VIII, along with the Politburo’s Conclusion on Energy Security, we appreciate the Vietnamese agencies continued commitment to the path of equitable energy transition, while promoting necessary reforms. “We fully understand Vietnam’s efforts and are always ready to support to help achieve concrete results,” Ambassador Julien Guerrier emphasized.

SETP projects deliver positive results

At the meeting, a representative of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade presented a report on the implementation progress of the budget support component under the SETP Program. The report covered progress toward targets in the logical framework, the execution of energy policies, disbursement indicators, timelines and the feasibility of meeting planned indicators.

In addition, representatives from the projects: Vietnam - EU Sustainable Energy Transition Technical Support Project (EVSET project); Project to promote innovative start-ups in the field of energy efficiency (AIS4EE project); Project to promote energy saving activities in large industrial enterprises through energy management systems and system optimization and energy saving practices in small and medium enterprises in Vietnam (IEEP project) also presented reports on the implementation progress of additional support projects of the SETP Program and related documents that need to be approved by the Steering Committee.

Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long assessed that the projects were important, urgent and practical in relation to the situation and development orientation of sustainable energy transition. The Deputy Minister also acknowledged the efforts of the organizations to achieve positive results.

“What we are doing today will lay the foundation for future Vietnam - EU cooperation. We must translate the commitments made by leaders on both sides into concrete action plans, together with ideas from ministries and agencies, to build a solid platform,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier congratulated Vietnam on completing its planned milestones on schedule, acknowledged the positive results achieved by the projects and expressed his full agreement with the adoption of the activity plan presented at the meeting.