On 17 July, 2017, Viet Nam’s first Energy Efficiency Network was officially launched in Ho Chi Minh City. The launch, which was synchronized with the first network meeting is well attended by representative from General Directorate of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and most importantly, 08 Vietnamese companies from the textile, paper, logistical, rubber and plastic sector, who have strong interest and commitment in energy efficiency.
The network initiative is part the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (4E) Project, implemented by the General Directorate of Energy, Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Photo: Group photo of participants in the workshop
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Markus Bissel, Head of Energy Efficiency component of the project, said, ”The objective of the network is to provide a platform to connect companies to improve energy efficiency by sharing and learning from each other. This will be done by structured processes which are moderated by German energy efficiency experts. Companies will also benefit from Energy audits and advices from qualified local experts, as well as linkage to German technology and services”.
The first Energy Efficiency Network was established in 1987 in Zürich, Switzerland. The model has become popular all over the world and has been proven to be an effective and important initiative to stimulate energy efficiency. In 2009, 30 Pilot Enery Efficiency Networks in Germany have saved in total 12% energy consumptions in 05 years. In the period of 2014-2020, it is estimated that there will be 500 energy efficiency networks in Germany.
”The rationale behind Viet Nam Energy Efficiency Network is that every company has some knowledge in energy efficiency, and collectively it is easier to develop expertise and improve our efficiency in overall. Each network comprises only 10-15 enterprises in order to maximize discussion and sharing opportunities. The networks will help companies reduce energy costs, improve productivity and competitiveness. They will also help increase transparency about energy use and data, and foster innovation across sectors”, said Mr. Bissel.
Criterias for companies who attending the Viet Nam Energy Efficiency Network are local enterprises which have high annual energy cost. They should be based in the same region and have no direct market competition. Company will then need to nominate an Energy Manager and sign the LOI in order to become an official member of the network.
After the first network meeting, energy audits will be conducted for the first 08.local companies from the textile, paper, logistical, rubber and plastic sector who are the first members of the network.German and local consultants will visit selected company sites and provide support for the audit.
As one of the most dynamically growing economy in Asia, Viet Nam faces an enormous increase in energy demand that will continue to grow at double-digit rates in the coming years. With regards to energy consumption, industry, transportation and residential areas are the three biggest electricity consuming sectors.
The Government of Viet Nam has paid great attention to subject of energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is one core element of both the Power Development Plan 7 and Viet Nam’s Green Growth Strategy. In that context, initiatives such as Viet Nam Energy Efficiency Network are important as they could also connect and empower businesses to play a key role in reducing energy cost and improve the business efficiency.
