To help businesses boldly invest in energy saving

Using energy economically and efficiently is not only a social responsibility but also a survival strategy for businesses. However, to do so, many businesses still need support policies in terms of capital, technology and appropriate cooperation models.

Businesses increasingly focus on using energy efficiently.

On the afternoon of October 2, the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Trade , organized a seminar on "Using energy economically and efficiently: The problem of sustainable investment for businesses".

Overview of the Seminar. Photo: Hanh Nhung

Here, Mr. Cu Huy Quang, Head of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Green Transformation, said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is the agency in charge of implementing the National Program on economical and efficient use of energy for the period 2019 - 2030. The Ministry has developed and submitted to the Government for submission to the National Assembly for approval of the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy 2025. The Law takes effect from January 1, 2026, clearly defining the responsibilities of enterprises in auditing, managing and applying energy-saving technologies, especially key energy-using units.

In recent times, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has supported businesses in energy auditing, consulting solutions, implementing ISO 50001 management systems, transferring technology and training human resources. The Ministry has also coordinated with credit institutions and international funds to provide green capital, reducing initial investment pressure for businesses.

Accompanying businesses, Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has implemented many support programs such as modernizing metering infrastructure with more than 31 million meters (95% electronic, nearly 30 million remote meters), transparent load management and saving time for customers. All electricity services are now provided online at level 4, with nearly 38 million requests processed via digital channels. EVN also encourages businesses to install rooftop solar power, use LED lights, and solar water heaters, helping to reduce costs and emissions.

Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Hanoi High-Tech Parks and Industrial Parks, said that energy saving in industrial parks is being strongly promoted. Some typical models such as upgrading auxiliary systems, improving compressed air help reduce 20% of electricity consumption at food factories in Thang Long Industrial Park. Or rooftop solar power systems in Quang Minh, Noi Bai, Sai Dong industrial parks have helped businesses be 30-40% self-sufficient in electricity, reduce costs and increase sustainability.

Need more business support mechanisms

Vice President of the Hanoi Supporting Industry Enterprises Association (HANSIBA) Nguyen Van said that thanks to advice and support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, many enterprises in the Association have proactively saved electricity. However, most of HANSIBA's members are small and medium-sized enterprises, even micro-enterprises, so they face difficulties in capital, technology and human resources. To encourage enterprises to boldly innovate, there needs to be more clear, transparent and practical support mechanisms and policies, Mr. Van suggested.

A representative of the Hanoi Industrial Park Management Board said the city is coordinating with departments and international partners to develop modern infrastructure, centralized renewable energy, and an energy metering center. The city is also studying land rent reduction, preferential loan support, and encouraging businesses to access green credit.

Some businesses in the industrial park also recommended simplifying green credit procedures, increasing energy audits, encouraging eco-industrial park models and international cooperation to access advanced technology.

In order for businesses to boldly invest in energy conversion, Mr. Cu Huy Quang also emphasized that appropriate financial support is needed, because most energy saving and renewable energy solutions require large initial investment costs.

He said the Ministry of Industry and Trade is encouraging access to preferential capital, international funds, promoting PPP cooperation and connecting with commercial banks to reduce capital barriers. In addition, the Ministry proposed to establish a Fund to promote energy saving (expected to operate from January 1, 2027), a credit guarantee mechanism for small and medium enterprises, and promoting the ESCO model - allowing enterprises to save electricity without initial investment capital. Tax incentives and accelerated depreciation policies for energy-saving equipment are also being studied.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/de-doanh-nghiep-manh-dan-dau-tu-tiet-kiem-nang-luong-10388933.html