FY2021 QUARTER 1 REPORT: Vietnam Urban Energy Security

The project's overall goal is to deploy at least 400 megawatts of distributed energy systems, mobilize at least $600 million in public and private investment, and demonstrate or commercialize at least 20 innovative solutions to address energy and environmental issues. The project is working with the Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) in both cities to achieve its objectives, including enabling the environment for the deployment of distributed energy systems, mobilizing investment, and promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and financing models. During the first quarter of the second year of implementation, the project team secured project approval in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, while continuing to build a solid technical and operational foundation. One major achievement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EVN, which will allow EVN to share data with the project team to analyze rooftop solar (RTS) integration and prepare capacity building for grid operators. The project team also released its first Request for Applications (RFA) to identify an acceleration partner to support energy innovations and its first call for Expressions of Interest to identify renewable energy and energy efficiency projects seeking capital. Additionally, the team provided advisory support to Vinstar and Vinvis, two companies requesting investments in RTS. The project team expanded its staff and geographic footprint by recruiting staff in the two cities, including a Technical Lead, Clean Energy Finance Specialist, Danang City Coordinator, and Activity Fund Associate. The team also communicated and coordinated with relevant donor-funded activities to promote information sharing, activity coordination, and best practices. The project team continued to collaborate with USAID Southeast Asia EDGE Hub, USAID-NREL, US Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Vietnam Energy Partnership Group (VEPG), and International Finance Corporation (IFC) to advance the project's objectives. The project team anticipates approval in Danang by the end of March 2021 and in Ho Chi Minh City by the end of June 2021. The team will continue to work with DOIT to finalize the project document and incorporate lessons learned from the third quarter. The project's technical activities include energy efficiency, rooftop solar, and waste to energy, with a focus on promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and financing models. The project team will continue to work with DOIT to finalize the project document and incorporate lessons learned from the third quarter. The project's Activity Fund will issue a number of solicitations to identify potential partners for investment and support in energy innovations. The team will also continue to communicate and coordinate with relevant donor-funded activities to promote information sharing, activity coordination, and best practices. The project's overall goal is to improve urban energy resilience and energy security in Vietnam, focusing on Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. The project's objectives include enabling the environment for the deployment of distributed energy systems, mobilizing investment, and promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and financing models. The project team will continue to work with DOIT to finalize the project document and incorporate lessons learned from the third quarter. The team will also continue to communicate and coordinate with relevant donor-funded activities to promote information sharing, activity coordination, and best practices.