USAID Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program II (V-LEEP II) Quarterly Report for Year 1 Quarter 1 (October – December 2020)

The program focuses on increasing the deployment of advanced energy systems, improving energy sector performance, and increasing competition in the energy sector. During the first quarter of operation, the V-LEEP II team focused on the rapid start-up of activities, such as the timely establishment of an office and key technical, management, and logistical requirements. The team ensured that the Chief of Party was at post in Hanoi on the program's first day and that the home office leadership and management team was appointed soon after; with all these team members formally approved by USAID. Drawing on the resources of the original USAID Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program (V-LEEP; 2015 – 2021), V-LEEP II was able to ensure immediate operational presence. The team immediately developed and launched its approach to secure approval as an Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, a prerequisite for successful operation in Vietnam. This included appointing a local coordinator, helping to ensure that a key champion for the program emerged within the Government of Vietnam (GVN) and was appointed as the official focal point, and utilizing both formal and informal channels to discuss GVN priorities and agree upon key activities for V-LEEP II. V-LEEP II is now poised for successful development and finalization of key program underpinnings in the next quarter – including the foundational Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan and the first annual Work Plan. The program has made significant progress in establishing its operational presence and securing approval as an ODA program, which is a critical step towards achieving its objectives. The program's focus on increasing the deployment of advanced energy systems, improving energy sector performance, and increasing competition in the energy sector is expected to have a positive impact on Vietnam's energy sector. The program's approach to securing approval as an ODA program has also helped to ensure that the program is aligned with the priorities of the Government of Vietnam. In terms of specific activities, the V-LEEP II team has been working to establish an office and key technical, management, and logistical requirements. The team has also been developing and launching its approach to secure approval as an ODA program, which includes appointing a local coordinator and utilizing both formal and informal channels to discuss GVN priorities and agree upon key activities for V-LEEP II. Overall, the V-LEEP II program is making significant progress in advancing the transition of Vietnam to a clean, secure, and market-based energy sector. The program's focus on increasing the deployment of advanced energy systems, improving energy sector performance, and increasing competition in the energy sector is expected to have a positive impact on Vietnam's energy sector. The program's approach to securing approval as an ODA program has also helped to ensure that the program is aligned with the priorities of the Government of Vietnam. The program's progress in establishing its operational presence and securing approval as an ODA program is a critical step towards achieving its objectives. The V-LEEP II program is expected to continue making progress in the next quarter, with a focus on finalizing the foundational MEL Plan and the first annual Work Plan. The program's progress will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and making a positive impact on Vietnam's energy sector. The program's success will depend on its ability to continue making progress in establishing its operational presence and securing approval as an ODA program. The program's focus on increasing the deployment of advanced energy systems, improving energy sector performance, and increasing competition in the energy sector is expected to have a positive impact on Vietnam's energy sector.