Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam, Kim Højlund Christensen, and Vice Minister for Industry and Trade of Vietnam, Dang Hoang An, on Thursday signed a new agreement to kick off the Energy Partnership Programme between Denmark and Vietnam for the 2021-2025 period (DEPP III programme).

This is the third phase of a long-term government-to-government cooperation in the energy sector established between the two countries in 2013. The programme will be implemented by the Danish Energy Agency and the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade with a grant of 60.3 million DKK (appx. 10 million USD) for technical assistance provided by Denmark.

At the signing ceremony, Danish Ambassador H.E. Kim Højlund Christensen said: “Denmark is a longstanding and trusted partner with Vietnam in supporting the country’s transition to a green energy sector and a low carbon economy. The DEPP III programme will inherit the solid foundation of the government-to-government partnership built in previous phases and continue strengthening and expanding the achievements we have gained so far."

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vietnamese Vice Minister for Industry and Trade said: “The energy partnership between Vietnam and Denmark has yielded fruitful results and tangible benefits for both countries. The Danish Energy Partnership Programme phase three is a good opportunity for Vietnam to access Danish experts and experiences with strategic energy development policies that are crucial for a sustainable transition of the energy sector.” 

In the DEPP III, Danish and Vietnamese partners will continue collaborating on energy sector planning, integration of renewables in the power system, and improved energy efficiency in the industrial sector. Offshore wind development will continue to be a focus area in this programme. 

The Danish Energy Agency will assist Vietnam’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority in realizing its huge potential for offshore wind by putting in place conducive regulatory and policy measures for offshore wind energy deployment.

“The Danish Energy Agency is looking forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation with our Vietnamese partners. In addition to initiatives that support energy efficiency, integration of renewable energy and offshore wind power, we will launch the Vietnam Energy Outlook Report 2021 early next year. The report is a central planning and strategy tool that can support the government in the green transition of the energy system and meeting the Paris Agreement obligations” said Mr. Anton Beck, Director for Global Cooperation, Danish Energy Agency.

Furthermore, the programme will upscale support to the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development to develop an incentive scheme to encourage the application of energy efficiency solutions in energy-intensive industries in Vietnam.