Hanoi, Vietnam – August 12, 2025 – The third meeting of the Project Coordination Board (PCB) of the project “Accelerating energy efficiency in large industries through energy management systems (EnMS), system optimization (SO), and the promotion and adoption of energy efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises” (IEEP) took place today at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).

The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Kristina Bünde, Head of Cooperation at the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang, Director General of the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition, and Industry Promotion under MOIT. Both emphasized that the meeting marks a “critical milestone” in setting strategic direction and ensuring the project advances effectively and sustainably.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Kristina Bünde highlighted that IEEP has made significant progress since its launch on January 1, 2023. She stressed that the project not only helps enterprises reduce costs and enhance competitiveness but also contributes to Vietnam’s National Energy Efficiency Programme (VNEEP) (2019-2030) and the country’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. She also expressed confidence that the project will achieve its objectives within the remaining timeframe.

Speaking on behalf of MOIT, Ms. Giang commended the Project Management Unit (PMU) for its efforts, noting that the IEEP represents a model of successful multilateral cooperation between MOIT, the EU Delegation to Vietnam, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Presenting the progress report, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, the IEEP’s National Project Manager, outlined key achievements under the three main components:

• Component 1 – Institutional and Policy Framework: Recommendations of technical regulations for energy audits submitted to MOIT; ISO 50005 successfully converted into a national standard; and five awareness-raising workshops held in major cities to promote ISO standards and energy efficiency.
• Component 2 – Capacity Building Programme: Three expert training programmes on EnMS, steam system optimization, and compressed air systems completed, alongside dozens of other training sessions involving 515 managers and technical staff from industrial enterprises and 108 representatives of energy service providers. Beyond technical transfer, training also supported the development of EnMS in 20 enterprises, assessments for steam systems in 17 enterprises, and compressed air systems in 12 enterprises.
• Component 3 – Implementation of EnMS and SO Projects: Twelve industrial sites were selected for demonstration projects to apply EnMS and adopt system optimization measures.

During the meeting, the PCB reviewed and approved the proposed Work Plan for 2026, which will maintain awareness-raising activities under Component 1, continue training under Component 2, and expand replication projects on EnMS, system optimization, and energy-saving adoption under Component 3.

In closing, the co-chairs commended the contributions of all stakeholders and requested the Project Office to provide detailed reports on practical impacts and lessons learned. These will serve as an important basis for effective implementation of the 2026 plan and achievement of the project’s final goals by the end of 2027.

Funded by the EU, IEEP is jointly implemented by MOIT and UNIDO under the EU-Vietnam Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (SETP). The project became effective on January 1, 2023, and reached its mid-term milestone in July 2025 with significant positive results.

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