Ho Chi Minh City, 18 September 2026 – The Energy – Petroleum Agency (EPA) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), in collaboration with the EU–Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition (EVSET) Facility, organised the southern region Consultation Workshop on the Draft Proposal for the Establishment of the Fund for Promoting Energy Conservation and Efficiency. The Fund is designed as a financial instrument to mobilise and connect resources from the State, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners to support energy efficiency and conservation. In addition, it can facilitate access to technical and international resources to support businesses in conducting energy audits, preparing projects, developing human resources and facilitating technology transfer.
Mr. Dang Hai Dung, EPA Deputy Director General, delivers opening remarks.
The participants included representatives of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Viet Nam, EPA, Departments of Industry and Trade and local industrial promotion and development centres from southern provinces and cities; the Southern Power Corporation; banks and financial institutions; energy service companies (ESCO); industry associations and enterprises; media representatives; and energy sector experts. Mr. Dang Hai Dung, EPA Deputy Director General, and Ms. Tran Thuy Duong, Programme Manager, the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam, delivered opening remarks at the workshop. In their remarks, they emphasised that for the Fund to operate effectively, it is necessary to establish an appropriate organisational and operational model, funding sources and fund management mechanisms, financial instruments, as well as clear conditions and procedures to enable businesses to access the Fund’s resources in a convenient, transparent and effective manner.
Ms. Tran Thuy Duong, Programme Manager, the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam, delivers opening remarks.
The workshop, which builds on the central region consultation held in Da Nang on 13 August 2026, was part of the EU technical assistance provided through EVSET Facility to provide EPA with recommendations on the Energy Efficiency Fund model. At the event, the study team presented findings from a study on different models for promoting energy conservation and efficiency. The study reviews international experience and good practices, particularly from EU countries, as well as lessons from relevant funds in Viet Nam. The study team also presented recommendations for the proposed Fund, covering its organisational model, operating mechanism, financial resources, forms of support and roadmap for establishment.
The workshop also brought practical perspectives from the banking and energy sectors on financing and implementing energy efficiency investments. The Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) shared its experience in managing entrusted lending under funds and development projects, while Vietnam Electricity (EVN) shared its experience in implementing energy efficiency investment projects under the Energy Service Company (ESCO) model, providing practical insights into approaches for financing and delivering energy efficiency investments. These presentations highlighted practical considerations related to financing and bringing energy efficiency investments from project development to implementation.
During the consultation session, participants exchanged views on these key elements and provided feedback to support further refinement of the proposal. The discussion brought together perspectives from central and local government agencies, banks and financial institutions, energy sector stakeholders, enterprises and experts.
The workshop in Ho Chi Minh City was one the second of three regional consultation workshops planned as part of the process. The northern region and final consultation is scheduled to take place in Hanoi. The consultations aim to help the experts further refine the study and its recommendations, which will support EAP in finalising the proposal for establishing the Fund for Promoting Energy Conservation and Efficiency.
Through EVSET Facility and the broader EU – Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (SETP), which provides EUR 142 million in grant funding and contributes to the country’s transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable and resilient energy system, EU continues to support Viet Nam in strengthening the enabling environment for energy conservation and efficiency.
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