On December 3, 2025, in Ha Noi, the fourth meeting of the SETP Steering Committee was successfully held, co-chaired by Vice Minister of Industry and Trade H.E. Nguyen Hoang Long, and European Union Ambassador to Viet Nam H.E. Julien Guerrier. The meeting focused on reviewing the disbursement progress of budget support under the SETP and the implementation progress of its complementary support projects, and approving their work plans for 2026.
MOIT Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long opening the meeting. Photo: Ngoc Anh
In their opening remarks, Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long and Ambassador Julien Guerrier emphasized the significant role of the SETP in supporting Viet Nam’s energy transition toward achieving its net-zero commitment made at COP26. They highlighted that the high-level collaboration between the Government of Viet Nam and the European Union not only strengthens diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and the EU but also advances sustainable energy development in Viet Nam.
EU Ambassador to Viet Nam Julien Guerrier opening the meeting. Photo: Ngoc Anh
At the meeting, the representative of the Electricity Authority of Viet Nam (EAV) provided an update on the implementation of the SETP budget support, outlining progress toward the targets in the logical framework, the rollout of key energy policies, and the status of disbursement and performance indicators. To date, 63 million EUR has been disbursed across the first three tranches.
Mr. Nguyen Duy Hoa, the EAV representative, presents the implementation progress of the SETP budget support component. Photo: Ngoc Anh
During the meeting, representatives of complementary support projects presented progress updates and outlined their planned activities for 2026. The EU–Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Facility (EVSET Facility) reported steady implementation across 13 technical support activities for agencies under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). The Facility also expanded its assistance to non-MOIT stakeholders and the Viet Nam Energy Partnership Group (VEPG), helping to strengthen structured policy dialogue through the platform.
Mr. Adrian Twomey, EVSET Facility Team Leader, presents EVSET’s implementation progress and the submitted documents for approval. Photo: Ngoc Anh
Over the past year, the EVSET Facility supported MOIT counterparts on key legal and regulatory updates, including the issuance of Circular 42, which amends Circular 34 on Viet Nam Energy Information System (VEIS) regulations. The Facility also strengthened capacity across priority industries by providing training on GHG emissions inventory, mitigation, and monitoring, as well as the impacts of EV usage and their implications on power system planning and operation.
Ms. Maria Cecilia Paña, GGGI Viet Nam Deputy Country Representative, presents the AIS4EE Project’s implementation progress and the submitted documents for approval. Photo: Ngoc Anh
The Accelerating Innovative Start-ups for Energy Efficiency (AIS4EE) project launched Viet Nam’s first government-led Energy Efficiency Accelerator Program and completed a full suite of support activities, including coaching, mentorship, networking sessions, an ecosystem study visit in Ho Chi Minh City, and a fundraising event in Singapore. The project also held a Demo Day in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2025, which drew participation from 13 start-ups and 11 youth teams, and awarded a total of USD 45,000 in prizes. Importantly, the project helped start-ups mobilize approximately USD 2 million through project funding, commercial agreements, and equity investments, including through two start-ups—VEEP and VOX Cool.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, IEEP National Project Manager, presents the IEEP Project’s implementation progress and the submitted documents for approval. Photo: Ngoc Anh
The Accelerating energy efficiency in large industries through energy management systems, system optimisation and the promotion and adoption of energy efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises (IEEP) project made strong progress in advancing industrial energy efficiency nationwide. It finalized several key technical guidelines and reached more than 2,700 people through awareness materials, TV programmes, and dissemination workshops. Training was a major highlight, with over 300 national experts certified in areas such as energy management systems, ISO 50001, and system optimisation, and more than 480 enterprise staff and vendors trained through specialized user-focused programmes. The project also supported the rollout of 12 demonstration projects and facilitated 54 replication projects within industrial enterprises, helping accelerate the practical adoption of energy-efficiency measures. Together, these achievements reflect significant momentum toward improving energy performance, reducing emissions, and strengthening the competitiveness of Viet Nam’s industrial sector.
Participants of the 4th SETP Steering Committee Meeting. Photo: Ngọc Anh
In conclusion, Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long and Ambassador Julien Guerrier commended the significant efforts of the complementary support projects in achieving substantial outcomes in 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, Viet Nam plans to accelerate the rollout of key energy-transition policies, guided by the Politburo’s Resolution 70. This will include but not limited to revising the Electricity Law and the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA), as well as introducing new measures to expand rooftop solar. These developments highlight the need for close coordination between MOIT agencies and the complementary support projects to advance the objectives of the EU-Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (SETP).
