FY2021 QUARTER II REPORT: USAID Vietnam Urban Energy Security

The project aims to achieve the following high-level expected results: deploying at least 400 megawatts (MW) of advanced, distributed energy systems, mobilizing at least $1 billion in public and private investment for advanced, distributed urban energy systems, and demonstrating or commercializing at least 20 innovative solutions to address urban energy and environment issues. The project's objectives and activities are linked to USAID/Vietnam's Development Objective Three (DO3) - 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. The project is working with the Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) in both target cities to achieve the following objectives: improving the enabling environment, including policies, regulations, and city-level energy programs, to increase the market size for the deployment of advanced, distributed energy systems; mobilizing public and private sector investment for the deployment of advanced, distributed energy systems; and increasing adoption of innovative technologies, business practices, and financing models for advanced, distributed urban energy solutions. During the second quarter of the second year of implementation, the USAID Vietnam Urban Energy Security team focused on securing project approval in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City while continuing to build a solid technical and operational foundation. One major achievement this quarter was the approval of the Project Document by Danang People's Committee on March 31. The project team supported Danang DOIT with communication materials for the Earth Hour Campaign 2021, which was held on March 27. The event provided a good opportunity to promote USAID and the project's work in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The project completed the evaluation of the call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Investor Roadshow proposals and selected VIETSTAR JSC. as the successful candidate. The project team will work with VIESTART to support the implementation of their WTE project and RTS project at their facility in Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City. The project team also identified 7 innovative clean energy solutions suitable for application in industrial plants and commercial buildings, and one innovative mobile application which helps households to monitor and save on electricity bills. The project had a successful transition from the first Contracting Officer's Representative (COP), Ms. Nora Brown, to Ms. Ella Hoxha in January 2021. Ms. Ella Hoxha started working remotely from Jakarta since February 01, 2021. The project obtained the Entry and Visa Approval for Ms. Hoxha and her dependents to Vietnam following all local governmental requirements with an anticipated arrival date on April 9th. The project engaged two Consultants under RCEE-NRAS's subcontract to conduct a study on RTS investment to support VIETSTAR JSC., and two Consultants to evaluate the potential and viability of battery swapping business models for electric two-wheelers in Vietnam. The project continued communicating and coordinating with relevant donor-funded activities to promote information sharing, activity coordination, and dissemination of best practices. This included coordination among USAID-funded projects as well as outreach and communication with other donors and donor-supported activities. The project team collaborated with Southeast Asia (SEA) EDGE Hub to develop an article on electric vehicles in Vietnam expected to be published in April 2021. The project team also maintained close coordination with VLEEP and VLEEP II teams on planning activities, and collaborated with INVEST on the call for EOI in support of the Clean Energy Transaction Assistance and Catalytic Fund.