The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked with the Da Nang government to officially kick off its Viet Nam Urban Energy Security project in Da Nang.

Funded by USAID, the US$ 14 million project will be carried out during the 2019 – 2023 period with a focus on encouraging the deployment of cost-effective clean energy in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Included are drafting regulations and standards for rooftop solar or electric vehicle charging, facilitating technical exchanges, and creating a national network of experts, among other actions. As the two cities are experiencing steep increases in energy demand and rising air pollution, there is growing recognition that cleaner, more reliable sources of energy are needed and greater capital investment is required to develop these renewable energy sources.

In Da Nang, USAID will help the city deploy 40 megawatts of renewable energy generations and energy efficiency gains, mobilise at least US$60 million in new investment to overcome key challenges in clean energy financing by building innovative partnerships, increase the adoption and deployment of five innovative energy solutions.

“Da Nang is one of the smartest, greenest and most dynamic cities in Viet Nam. The deployment of renewable energy and advanced energy solutions will help the city enhance its competitiveness, make the city attractive to green investors, bring great benefits to its population, and contributing to the development of long-term strategies for mitigation of climate change. Over the past five years, USAID has funded more than US$40 million to support the deployment of cost-effective clean energy in Viet Nam and is expected to commit an additional US$36 million over the next five years’, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock said.

Reporting by PHONG LAN – Translating by H.L