On 29-30 May, 2026, more than 20 lecturers and researchers from the Viet Nam National University of Forestry (VNUF) and its three partner universities in the south (Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, Thu Dau Mot University, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering) gathered at a “Briefing of Trainers” workshop hosted by VNUF at its campus in Dong Nai city to enhance their understanding of the solid biofuels value chain and explore ways to enhance solid biofuels training. This activity is part of the “Capacity Development and Building for Solid Biofuels Value Chain Key Actors in Viet Nam” initiative, implemented by VNUF with support from the European Union (EU). The initiative aims to strengthen both human and institutional capacity in the solid biofuels sector by equipping Vietnamese universities with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver high-quality training.
The EU support was provided through EVSET’s technical assistance component for entities outside the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). The EVSET Facility is part of the wider EU–Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (SETP), which aims to support Viet Nam’s transition toward more sustainable energy systems. With this expert support from EVSET, VNUF and its six partner higher education institutions are working to develop a practical and integrated training programme that responds to the needs of the bioenergy sector.
This “Briefing of Trainers” workshop followed the success of the first one hosted at its Hanoi campus by VNUF in April, which brought together key stakeholders from its three partner universities in the north (Hanoi University of Industry, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and Thai Nguyen University of Science). The workshop covered core topics including feedstock and market development, pellet and biochar production technologies, sustainable production management, and legal timber traceability, while also introducing the broader objectives of the capacity-building initiative supported by the SETP programme. Through a combination of expert presentations and interactive discussions, participants examined both technical content and institutional relevance, alongside teaching methodologies and training materials. The goal of the workshop was to refine and standardize the solid biomass fuel training program, strengthen the capacity of participating institutions to deliver high-quality instruction, and foster closer collaboration among partners in support of the sustainable development of Viet Nam’s solid biofuel sector.
Viet Nam has strong potential to develop solid biofuels, especially by making better use of forestry residues and agricultural by-products. Strengthening training capacity will help develop a skilled workforce and contribute to the country’s sustainable energy transition.
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