The second meeting of Technical Working Group 4 on Energy Efficiency convened in Hanoi, co-chaired by the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development (DEESD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the framework of the Vietnam Energy Partnership Group (VEPG). The meeting focused on discussing key revisions to the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, aiming to build a robust legal framework that fosters a more energy-efficient economy.
In the opening remarks, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Lâm Giang, Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, emphasized the importance of amending the law to facilitate the transition to a green economy, promote investment in energy-efficient technologies, and mitigate emissions. The proposed amendments presented to delegates are currently open for public consultation on the Portal of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s official website. The revised law is scheduled to be submitted to the Government in February 2025 and presented to the National Assembly for approval in May 2025.
A representative from the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development presented the key amendments, focusing on four main policy groups:
i) Strengthening effectiveness of state management in the field of economical and efficient use of energy.
ii) Management and development of energy consulting services, energy conservation, workforce training in the field of economical and efficient use of energy;
iii) Regulations on incentive policies, financial support instruments for the field of economical and efficient use of energy.
iv) State management and performance management of vehicles, energy-consuming appliances.
During the meeting, UNDP representatives presented findings from a specialized task force on energy efficiency and provided recommendations on specific provisions of the revised law. The Danish Energy Agency also shared Denmark’s experience in promoting energy efficiency, offering insights and policy suggestions to support Vietnam’s legislative reforms.
During the discussion, representatives from the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), embassies, and other international development partners actively provided input on key policy areas covered in the draft amendments to the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy. These contributions were gathered as part of an extensive consultation process aimed at refining the proposed revisions. Participants highly appreciated the transparency and openness of DEESD in sharing information and incorporating recommendations from international organizations, ensuring the feasibility and effectiveness of the draft law. The meeting once again reaffirmed the strong coordination and effective collaboration between parties in organizing and facilitating the Technical Working Group on Energy Efficiency under the Vietnam Energy Partnership Group (VEPG).
Closing the meeting, the Chair and Co-chair highly appreciated the valuable contributions from participants, emphasizing that their insights play a crucial role in refining the draft amendments to the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy. These contributions will help drive greater energy efficiency, support sustainable development, and contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change in Vietnam.