Implementing a national energy efficiency program

• Wide participation: After five years implementing the VNEEP-Phase I, the program received active participation and contribution of various Ministries, branches, socio-political organizations, localities and consultants around the country, and achieved encouraging success.
• Projects delivered: As of 31 December 2010, there were more than 150 missions and projects implemented. A number of information sources on the program were disseminated, replicated and implemented all around the country. The total energy saving for the period from 2006 – 2010 is 4,900 ktoe, accounting for 3.4% of the total energy consumption (approximately 56.9 TWh)[1].
• Implementation of Law: The biggest achievement of the VNEEP-Phase I was the adoption of Law on Energy Efficiency and Conservation and by-law documents related to the energy efficiency and conservation by the 12th National Assembly of Vietnam on 17 June 2010. In addition, the program successfully established a management model for energy efficiency and conservation so as to put into use for about 40% major energy-consumption enterprises selected around the country; a management network for energy efficiency and conservation, which contributed to the effective implementation of the activities within the program in all localities. After Phase I of the program, public awareness of energy efficiency and conservation was significantly improved.
• Capacity building: The implementation of VNEEP-Phase I also contributed to education and capacity building for more than 1,000 energy management officers of DOITs, Departments of Power, Energy Saving Centres and key enterprises, contributing to the successful organization of a number of workshops, exhibitions, fairs, etc. The program also assists the establishment of a fair and transparent system for certification of trained energy managers and consultants. It further offers training for governmental and local bodies in energy efficiency related issues, so that these authorities get an improved capacity.
• Poverty reduction: The VNEEP contributes to poverty reduction by enhancing general economic development through improving the energy efficiency of industrial enterprises and through new employment opportunities related to the energy efficiency improvements on both maintenance and investments. As efficient use of energy causes less pollution, the VNEEP also contributes to the improved living conditions for people living in the vicinity of the enterprises.
• Emission reductions: Improved energy efficiency reduces the use of fuels and electricity and thereby contributes to a lower level of emissions such as CO2, SO2, and NOx as well as a lower increase in the demand for investment in new power plants. The energy efficiency is a key element in the development of a low carbon economy and climate change mitigation. It is expected that the implementation of the activities within VNEEP can result in an annual GHG reduction of at least 0.2–0.4 MtCO2e. Additional emission reductions can be expected if the program succeeds in replicating itself in other areas of the country as planned.
• Established finance facility: The VNEEP assists in establishing a well-functioning and reliable financial facility for energy efficiency improving investments in enterprises and commercial buildings.
• Improved government coordination: Through the implementation of the program, coordination between cities and provinces as well as between central and local level has been improved.

[1]Report No.211/BC-CP dated 17 October 2011 of the Government on the result of the implementation of National Targeted Programs for the period 2006 -2010, deploying the 2011 plan and proposing List of National Targeted Programs for the period 2012 - 2015