High time for Vietnam to end wasteful use of energy: Experts
The energy intensity of Vietnam is currently at a much higher level than the world average, and it is high time for the country to end the wasteful use of energy, according to experts.
Hanoi (VNA) – The energy intensity of Vietnam is currentlyat a much higher level than the world average, and it is high time for the country to end thewasteful use of energy, accordingto experts.
According to Hoang Viet Dung, a member from the SteeringCommittee for Energy Efficiency, said that along with economic growth, thedemand for energy of Vietnam is rising at a pace much higher than in other countries in the regionand the world.
Since 2015, from an energy exporter, Vietnam has become anet energy importer. The amount of energy import is forecast to continue toincrease in the coming years, Dung said at a conference on energy saving in industry in Hanoi on August 26.
Meanwhile, Ma Khai Hien, Director of the Energy ConservationResearch and Development Centre (ENERTEAM) said that wastefulness has been seenin the use of energy in Vietnam.
He stressed the need for big energy-consuming industries such as cement and steel producers to apply energy-saving solutions to cut production costs and reduce pressure onpower supply for the system.
Hien cited a survey by the Ministry of Industry and Trade which said technically energy saving potential in industries can reach 20-30%.
Dung held that in order to turn potential into reality,there is much for Vietnam to do from now to 2030.
The National Energy Efficiency Programme for the 2019-2030period (VNEEP3) has specified nine solutions to promote the efficient use ofenergy in all sectors and areas of the economy, he noted.
For financial solution, the Ministry of Industry and Trade haslaunched international cooperation projects, including those with the WorldBank.
The Department of Energy Saving and Sustainable Developmenthas proposed a number of adjustments to the Law on Energy Efficiency, focusingon giving incentives for energy efficiency investment activities, and theformation of an energy efficiency fund, said Dung.
However, he also pointed to a number of difficulties in thework, including the business community’s limited awareness of energyefficiency, especially those in the top energy-consuming industries, making them hesitant in investing in energy saving solutions./.
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Participants at the event (Photo: congthuong.vn) 
