Using energy economically and efficiently: Achievements and goals in the era of growth

On the morning of October 17, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Industry and Trade organized the Forum "Using energy economically and effectively: Achievements and goals in the era of growth".

Overview of the Forum "Using energy economically and effectively: Achievements and goals in the era of growth"

Attending the Forum were representatives of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, leaders of Departments and Offices under the Ministry of Industry and Trade , representatives of central and local ministries, branches, specialized associations, domestic and international experts, educational institutions and more than 100 energy enterprises.

The forum aims to disseminate new contents of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, which was recently passed by the 14th National Assembly at its 9th session, and at the same time demonstrate the proactive spirit of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in implementing the Law, contributing with the Government to building a sustainable, low-emission energy economy .

Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science , Technology and Environment Nguyen Phuong Tuan

In the context of the global shift to a green growth model, Vietnam is not out of that trend. With the commitment at COP26 and the strategic orientation from Resolution 55-NQ/TW of the Politburo, the use of energy saving and efficiency has become an important pillar in ensuring national energy security, while promoting green growth.

As the focal agency in the energy sector, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has pioneered the implementation of the Law since 2010, perfecting the legal framework with many decrees, circulars, regulations, and technical standards; at the same time, implementing a series of action programs to support enterprises in improving technology, organizing energy audits and promoting propaganda and community education.

Thanks to that, thousands of businesses in large energy consuming industries such as cement, steel, textiles, and food processing have improved their energy efficiency. The market for high-efficiency equipment has grown strongly; programs such as “Earth Hour”, “Family Saving Electricity”, and “Energy Labeling” have created a widespread ripple effect, helping to form the habit of saving electricity in the community.

To date, more than 9,500 households have installed rooftop solar power, 1,200 businesses have conducted energy audits, and more than 5,000 managers and auditors have been trained and certified. The energy labeling program alone helps save about 100 million kWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the capacity of a 300 MW thermal power plant, while removing tens of millions of incandescent light bulbs from the market.

Leaders of the electricity industry at the Forum "Using energy economically and effectively: Achievements and goals in the era of growth"

According to statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in the period 2011-2015, the whole country saved 11,261 KTOE of energy, equivalent to 5.65% of total national energy consumption; in the period 2016-2020, this result continued to be maintained, contributing to reducing millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions. From 2020 to now, energy saving programs have been promoted with the goal of reaching over 2% of total commercial electricity output each year, creating a solid foundation for sustainable development.

Speaking at the Forum, Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion (Ministry of Industry and Trade) Do Thi Minh Tram emphasized that energy is the lifeblood of the national economy. In the context of the world and Vietnam promoting the transition to a green growth model, the development of new, clean energy and the use of energy economically and efficiently are important pillars to ensure energy security and reduce emissions.

Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion (Ministry of Industry and Trade) Do Thi Minh Tram

According to Ms. Tram, Resolution 55-NQ/TW of the Politburo and the adjusted Power Plan VIII clearly state that by 2030, Vietnam needs to reach about 150,000 MW of power capacity - nearly double the current - to meet the needs of socio-economic development with an average GDP growth rate of 8%/year. However, in the period of 2021-2024, energy supply will face many difficulties due to the impact of climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, fluctuations in global energy prices and slow progress in infrastructure investment, while electricity demand increases by an average of 8-10%/year. Many industrial plants still use old, low-efficiency technology, and awareness of energy saving is not widespread, putting great pressure on the national power system.

Faced with this reality, using energy economically and efficiently is an urgent solution and a long-term strategy to ensure energy security, reduce costs, reduce emissions, protect the environment and enhance the competitiveness of the economy. Vietnam has institutionalized this policy through the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, along with many programs, decisions and directives of the Prime Minister.

In particular, the National Program on Energy Saving and Efficiency for the 2019-2030 period is being strongly implemented, aiming to save 8-10% of total energy consumption, reduce energy consumption in industry, popularize energy labels and promote the market for high-performance products.

The working group of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment surveyed the implementation of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy in Factories.

After nearly 15 years of implementation, the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy has contributed to forming a solid legal foundation and social awareness of energy saving. However, during the implementation process, many regulations have revealed limitations and inadequacies that need to be amended. On that basis, the Ministry of Industry and Trade submitted the amended Law to the National Assembly for approval on June 18, 2025, with many new points such as improving the effectiveness of state management, management of the energy consulting and auditing service market, green credit incentive policies, and regulations on energy labeling for construction equipment and materials.

According to Ms. Tram, this Forum is an opportunity to summarize experiences, disseminate information on the amended Law and discuss effective implementation solutions in practice. Listening to opinions from management agencies, organizations, associations and businesses will help the Ministry of Industry and Trade perfect policies, creating conditions for all social sectors to participate in the transition to green, efficient and sustainable energy.

Southern Power Corporation inspects the power system in Truong Sa island district

“We not only look back at the journey of nearly 15 years of implementing the Law, but more importantly, clearly identify the goals, solutions and consensus of all parties to practice more economical and efficient energy use, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam in the era of national development,” Ms. Tram emphasized.

With that orientation, the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy (amended) is not only a legal tool but also an important driving force for Vietnam to enter the era of green, creative and responsible development, towards the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/su-dung-nang-luong-tiet-kiem-hieu-qua-thanh-qua-va-muc-tieu-trong-ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-10390709.html