The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with the beach city of Danang’s authorities to accelerate renewable energy and efficiency solutions through sponsoring a US$14 million Urban Energy Security project. 

The launching ceremony of the project was jointly held by the USAID and the Danang City People’s Committee online on June 30.

General Director of the Danang Department of Industry and Trade Le Thi Kim Phuong speaks at the online launch. Photo: USAID

The event was attended by USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock, General Director of the Danang Department of Industry and Trade Le Thi Kim Phuong, and representatives of provincial branches and districts.

“USAID is helping Vietnam transition to a more resilient energy sector, powered by renewable energy. We are excited to work with Danang to promote clean energy in the region, provide access to technical expertise, and become a global convening center to help Vietnam realize its goals in renewable energy,” said USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock.

The project for the 2019-23 period aims to promote the deployment of advanced, distributed energy solutions in urban areas in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. It addresses Vietnam’s rapidly growing energy demand and air pollution in urban areas by working with city governments and creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

The project supports the deployment of advanced distributed energy solutions such as rooftop solar, electric vehicles, waste-to-energy, and other energy efficiency solutions. At its completion, the project aims to achieve the following high-level expected results in the beach city. 

Among the results, at least 40MW of advanced, distributed energy systems would be deployed, at least $60 million in public and private investment would be mobilized for advanced, distributed urban energy systems, and at least five innovative solutions to address urban energy and environment issues would be demonstrated and/or commercialized.

Danang is viewed as among the most dynamic, green, and smart cities in Vietnam. Investing in renewable energy and other advanced energy efficiency solutions will increase the competitiveness of the city, attract green investments, and directly benefit the citizens of the city with a cleaner environment. In addition, these solutions also contribute to the long-term mitigation of the impact of climate change on the city and its citizens. 

The Danang City Government has a strong commitment to respond to climate change, protect the environment and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. 

The city’s authorities have set priorities to accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment with a specific target and action plans including the Rooftop Solar Promotion Action Plan, the Renewable Energy Action Plan, the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan, and the Energy Conservation & Efficiency Action Plan. 

USAID is providing technical support to the Danang Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) in operationalizing these strategies which include establishing the Clean Energy Development Task Force to support the DOIT as well as power company to improve urban energy resilience and energy security, developing an Energy Efficiency Award for the city to recognize local enterprises who have implemented energy efficiency measures.

It also conducts a study to review city and national level regulations, policies, and mechanisms to implement and enforce the Energy Efficiency Action Plan for 2020-30.

USAID has committed over $40 million to support the energy sector in Vietnam in the past five years.