Within the framework of the project “Promoting energy efficiency and conservation in the supporting industry and food processing industry in Vietnam” funded by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and other sources, the VCCI Branch in Nghe An – Ha Tinh – Quang Binh cooperated with the Department of Industry and Trade and the Center for Financial Services and Enterprise Support of Ha Tinh province to implement a series of cooperative activities promoting energy-saving and energy transition solutions towards green and sustainable growth for enterprises in Ha Tinh.

According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the industrial sector is the largest energy-consuming sector in the country, accounting for more than 50% of total national energy consumption. The electricity demand from industrial production units continues to rise, accompanied by a corresponding increase in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the energy-saving potential of the sector is estimated at around 20–30%. For key energy-using facilities, saving at least 2% of electricity consumption annually could help the country save 1.6 billion kWh, equivalent to VND 3,200 billion.

Nonetheless, energy waste in industry remains widespread, with Vietnam’s energy intensity per GDP significantly higher than the global average. To address this issue and reduce dependence on imported energy, the implementation of energy-saving solutions, improved efficiency, and reduced waste is essential. This not only enhances economic performance but also supports sustainable development goals and Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Thuc – Acting Director of the VCCI Institute of Business Informatics (VCCI–ITB), representing the Project Management Board, stated that Prime Minister’s Decision No. 888/QD-TTg dated July 25, 2022, on approving the tasks and solutions for implementing the outcomes of COP26, assigns VCCI the responsibility to mobilize associations and enterprises to actively participate in the global trend of low-carbon development, mobilize resources, and innovate technology to transition growth models, restructure the economy, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts and energy transition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Awareness-raising campaigns and behavioral change initiatives among workers, along with technical support to apply modern technologies, automate production, and use high-efficiency electrical equipment, can save 20–40% of electricity consumption depending on the scale and technology of the enterprise. “Promoting energy-saving solutions in production plays a crucial role in socio-economic development while ensuring national energy security,” emphasized Mr. Nguyen Trung Thuc.

From the perspective of Ha Tinh province, Mr. Le Xuan Tu – Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, affirmed that sustainable energy transition has become a key factor in the national development strategy, aiming to reduce emissions, promote green economic development, and fulfill long-term commitments. Vietnam views energy transition not just as a challenge but also as an opportunity to shape a green, fair, and sustainable future for all citizens.

Currently, Ha Tinh province has implemented orientation strategies and support policies from industrial parks for pioneering enterprises using renewable energy – including the green transition plan for industrial parks in the province. These include: moving towards a circular economy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as committed at COP26; encouraging pioneering enterprises by prioritizing support for those using renewable energy such as solar, wind, and biomass to create widespread momentum in the economy. Enterprises are encouraged to invest in modern machinery and equipment with high energy efficiency; replace old, energy-intensive production lines with more efficient technologies; automate and digitize production processes to monitor and optimize energy consumption; regularly evaluate energy usage to identify inefficiencies and make timely adjustments; provide preferential credit for businesses investing in energy-saving technology; offer tax exemptions or cost support for green production transformation; organize technical training for staff and workers; and establish online consulting platforms on energy-efficient usage and electricity-saving products.

Notably, from the perspective of an investor in rooftop solar energy, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu – Deputy General Director of International Green Energy Solutions Joint Stock Company (IGES), shared practical insights into the rising energy needs of manufacturing enterprises across Vietnam’s industrial sectors. He also highlighted the strong, proactive, and rapid push for green energy transition in the private sector. IGES representatives affirmed their readiness to connect, discuss, and accompany production units in designing appropriate, harmonized solutions and cooperation packages to jointly promote the greening of the supply chain.

According to the Ha Tinh Department of Industry and Trade, in order to promote energy savings and the use of renewable energy in economic zones and industrial parks in the area, the province is focusing on implementing solutions, orientations, and support policies, prioritizing resources towards a circular economy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes encouraging and supporting pioneering enterprises in using renewable energy such as solar, wind, and biomass to create economic ripple effects. Enterprises are encouraged to invest in high-efficiency modern equipment, replace outdated and energy-intensive production lines with more efficient technologies, and especially, receive preferential loans for energy-saving technologies. The province is also promoting the development of online consulting platforms on energy-efficient usage and energy-saving products.