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, securing approval as an ODA program, and building a strong team. The program's objectives are aligned with the Government of Vietnam's priorities, and the team has made significant progress in engaging with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam. The program's approach to private sector engagement is also a key focus area, with the team working to establish partnerships with private sector companies to support the development of the energy sector. Overall, V-LEEP II is well-positioned to make a significant impact in advancing the transition of Vietnam to a clean, secure, and market-based energy sector. The program's progress in the first quarter of operation has laid a strong foundation for future success, and the team is poised to make significant progress in the coming quarters. The program's MEL Plan will provide a framework for monitoring and evaluating the program's progress, and the first annual Work Plan will outline the program's key activities and objectives for the coming year. The program's private sector engagement plan will also be a key focus area, with the team working to establish partnerships with private sector companies to support the development of the energy sector. In terms of geographic focus, the program will operate in Vietnam, with a focus on the energy sector. The program's timeframes are aligned with the Government of Vietnam's priorities, and the team is working to ensure that the program's activities are aligned with the country's development goals.