FY 2023 QUARTER 3 REPORT: USAID Vietnam Urban Energy Security

The project aims to achieve three expected high-level results: deploying at least 400 megawatts (MW) of advanced, distributed energy systems, mobilizing at least $600 million in public and private investment for advanced, distributed urban energy systems, and demonstrating and/or commercializing 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's objective is linked to USAID/Vietnam's Development Objective Three - Environmental security improved to further grow a clean, secure, and market-driven renewable energy sector, protect forests and biodiversity, counter wildlife trafficking, and curb environmental pollution. In Quarter 3 (Q3) of the project's fourth fiscal year, the project team accelerated the implementation of activities laid out in the approved Year 4 workplan. The team also coordinated with other USAID partners to conduct high-profile events. Selected highlights in Q3 include the completion of a 12-day study tour to the United States for 12 key decision makers from Danang and HCMC People's Committees, DOITs, Departments of Planning and Investment (DPIs), Departments of Finance (DOFs), Departments of Natural Resources and Environment (DONREs), and Electricity Vietnam (EVN). The study tour delegation visited research institutes, private sector companies, financial institutes, and local government offices, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), D.C. Green Bank, United States Energy Association (USEA), The Stella Group Ltd., the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Montgomery County Public Safety Microgrid, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Energy. Other highlights in Q3 include the organization of a training workshop on greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for 73 representatives from large GHG emitters in HCMC, the launch event for the Energy Efficiency Awards (EEA) in HCMC, the EEA Awards ceremony in Danang, a workshop on Technology and Financing for Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Projects in HCMC, and a study trip to a WTE plant in Soc Son, Hanoi, and a VinFast factory in Hai Phong. The project also completed selection and formal contracting procedures for Round 3 of the Innovation Challenge Fund (ICF), engaging three innovators, and supported innovators and startups to showcase their innovations to the market by participating in events organized by the project in Danang and HCMC. The project received a modification of the Task Order from USAID that approved a no-cost extension of the project's time of performance for 8 months to May 31, 2024, enabling the project to continue supporting HCMC DOIT and Danang DOIT.