Vietnam Refrigeration Industry: Pioneering green transformation, promoting energy saving

Entering the 2025-2030 term, facing the requirement to transform the economic model from breadth to depth, Dr. Ta Quang Ngoc, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Science and Technology (VISRAE) emphasized that the core goal is to innovate and strengthen organizational strength.

At the National Congress of Delegates for the 5th term (2025-2030) on November 30, Mr. Ngoc affirmed that the industry's human resources strategy will focus on dynamism and practicality. In particular, social criticism will be carried out in a practical manner, based on the interests of the end beneficiaries.

“We must listen more to businesses and use more young people to participate, because they are more dynamic and receptive to innovations from outside,” said Mr. Ngoc.

Specifically, the 5th Congress of the Refrigeration Industry has identified key goals for the new period to become a solid "bridge" between the State, scientists and businesses in the context of Vietnam's efforts to implement the Net Zero commitment by 2050.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Tien, Vice President and General Secretary of the Association, said that the 4th term took place in the context of Vietnam having strong changes in energy and environmental policies, typically the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, the Law on Environmental Protection and the Prime Minister 's commitment at COP26.

In line with these policies, the Association has closely coordinated with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to compile Decrees and Circulars on ozone layer protection and greenhouse gas emission reduction. In particular, the Cleanfact & RHVAC event series held annually has become a highlight, effectively connecting domestic and foreign professionals and businesses.

In terms of foreign affairs, the position of Vietnam's refrigeration industry has also been significantly enhanced when the Association officially joined ASEAN J+5 (including Japan and 5 ASEAN countries) in 2022 and successfully organized the J+5 Forum in 2023. Accordingly, memorandums of understanding on cooperation with the Japan Refrigeration Association (JSRAE), Korea (SAREK) and Malaysia were consecutively signed, creating a solid foundation for deep integration.

The position of Vietnam's refrigeration industry has also been significantly enhanced when the Association officially joined ASEAN J+5. (Photo: Vietnam+)

In order to specify the direction of science and technology activities in the coming term, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Tien said that the Association will focus on consulting and criticizing to improve the minimum energy performance coefficient (MEPS) for air conditioners, propose energy standards for VRV/VRF models and promote energy labeling. The key task is to disseminate knowledge about energy saving and refrigerant management according to Decree 06/2022/ND-CP to technicians and users.

At the Congress, voices from the business and education sectors also received great attention. A representative of Danfoss Vietnam (from Denmark) hoped that the Association would become a "Hub" - a center for science and technology, advising the State on tax incentives to help businesses boldly apply new technologies (such as CO2 refrigeration technology).

“I hope the Association will become a science and technology hub where businesses can interact and support each other. In fact, some businesses have spent a lot of money on misapplication of refrigerants, causing great waste to society,” said Mr. Nguyen Duc Dan, representative of Danfoss.

In terms of training, Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Van Thuan, Chairman of Polyco Group, emphasized the urgency of standardizing teaching materials. He announced plans to publish three high-quality specialized books by the end of 2026, directly serving training and professional practice.

The 5th Congress concluded with a strong determination to build an Executive Committee that is both professionally competent and enthusiastic. In addition, the Vietnam Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Science and Technology is committed to continuing to be the "flag" that gathers intellectuals and businesses, making practical contributions to the country's industrialization, modernization and green growth goals./.