At an event held in HCM City, representatives from both governments and the private sector came together to mark the close of USAID’s Vietnam Urban Energy Security project and highlight key results achieved since 2019. Among the participants were Deputy Principal Officer Anne Benjaminson of the US Consulate General in HCM City, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs, and leadership of the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade and the HCM City Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

“Our partnership with HCM City through USAID’s Vietnam Urban Energy Security project has helped to advance the city’s clean energy transition,” said USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs. “We applaud HCM City for its visionary clean energy plans, which serve as a model for how cities across Vietnam can improve energy security, increase environmental resilience, and advance net-zero emissions goals.”

With more than USD11 million in funding through USAID’s Vietnam Urban Energy Security project, USAID and HCM City DOIT partnered to facilitate energy efficiency gains and develop and deploy new sources of renewable energy. Specific results include the development of the city’s Net Zero Emission Strategy and its implementation roadmap, accompanied by a strategy to expand clean and new energy sources. These strategies will be vital to guide the city’s renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts in the years to come.

The first-ever Energy Efficiency Award programme in HCM City was organised during the period to recognise high energy-consuming enterprises for their energy efficiency performance and achievements.

Up to USD4.20 million in investment capital was mobilised for clean energy developers and start-ups for their projects on green hydrogen, battery energy storage systems, electric motorbikes, and electric transportation systems.

More than 500 staff of key financial institutions on advanced financial instruments like green bonds and clean energy investments to facilitate lending for clean energy projects; and nearly 200 government officials, energy managers, and technical managers to promote adoption of energy efficiency policies and measures received training.

An Innovation Challenge Fund was established which provided grants to seven innovative solutions to address urban energy and environmental issues in the city, enabling innovators to bring their cutting-edge ideas to life.