FY 2023 QUARTER 1 REPORT: USAID Vietnam Urban Energy Security

The project aims to achieve several expected high-level results, including the deployment of at least 400 megawatts (MW) of advanced, distributed energy systems, mobilization of at least $600 million in public and private investment for advanced, distributed urban energy systems, and demonstration and/or commercialization of at least 20 innovative solutions to address urban energy and environmental issues. The project is working with the Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) in both target cities to improve the enabling environment, mobilize public and private sector investment, and increase adoption of innovative technologies, business practices, and financing models for advanced, distributed urban energy solutions. The project is also collaborating with various stakeholders, including the U.S. Consulate General, HCMC DOIT, VinBus, VinFast, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), to achieve its objectives. In Quarter 1 of the fourth fiscal year of the project, from October 2022 to December 2022, several key activities were undertaken. These included the kick-off of all approved workplan activities in HCMC and Danang, the visit of USAID Assistant Administrator for the Asia Bureau Michael Schiffer to demonstrate how USAID is supporting Vietnam's clean energy transition, and the co-hosting of a hybrid workshop on hydrogen applications, technology, and developments. The project also co-hosted a year-end wrap-up event with Danang DOIT to review the project's activities and achievements during the last year and confirm new goals and plans in the Year 4 workplan. Additionally, the project provided training for nearly 100 staff from Vietinbank, Danang City Development and Investment Fund, and Ho Chi Minh Finance & Investment State Owned Company (HFIC) on green bonds, and conducted a training course for Electricity Vietnam (EVN) on fundamental considerations of smart inverter standardization and regulation. The project also kicked off the development of Net Zero Action Plans with the Danang Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE) and HCMC DONRE, and supported an urgent request from DONRE to provide training to DONRE and WTE project developers in HCMC to better understand the feasibility of participating in the carbon market. The project's activities in Quarter 1 have laid the foundation for achieving its expected high-level results and contributing to the mobilization of public and private investment, and the deployment of advanced, distributed energy systems in Vietnam.