U.S. partners with VN to build urban energy security

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announces a new project promoting urban energy security in Viet Nam on November 1 in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: baocongthuong

The event was attended by USAID Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick, USAID/Viet Nam Mission Director Michael Greene, leaders of the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority, and Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Industry and Trade. 

USAID Viet Nam Urban Energy Security is a four-year (2019-2023), US$14 million project that will promote deployment of advanced, distributed energy solutions in select urban areas in Viet Nam, including Ho Chi Minh City.

It will address Viet Nam’s rapidly growing energy demand and air pollution in urban areas by working with city governments and creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs. The project will support deployment of advanced distributed energy solutions such as household rooftop solar technology, next generation battery storage technology, and cleaner forms of transportation.

Energy demand in Viet Nam is currently increasing by 10% annually, making it critical for the country to use modern, clean energy technologies to sustain its impressive economic growth and protect human health and the environment.

Since 2017, USAID and MOIT have worked together to modernize national energy policies including introduction of a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) mechanism and expanding renewable energy and natural gas utilization under the eighth Power Development Plan (PDP8). 

During today’s event, USAID Deputy Administrator Glick donated PLEXOS software and associated hardware to MOIT. These state-of-the-art tools will allow MOIT to simulate electrical utility operations over a multi-year period to set optimal generation and transmission targets.

At the event, business leaders also expressed their desire to work with USAID and the Vietnamese Government to generate increased private sector investment in the energy sector and assist the country to meet its energy security goals.

By Thuy Dung