Viet Nam - Germany partner on transferring low-emission energy technology

On October 1, the Agency for Innovation (under the Ministry of Science and Technology) and GIZ formally exchanged the implementation agreement for the project, "Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy Transition in Southeast Asian Countries, implemented in Viet Nam" (CASE Viet Nam).

The German government, through the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has entrusted GIZ with managing the project, with the Agency for Innovation receiving technical support. The project outlines four main components: research on renewable energy innovation; capacity building for applied research and technology development; promoting technology transfer; and other supporting activities. The signing of this agreement holds special significance as Viet Nam and Germany approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in October 2025.

The project's core focus is on establishing a scientific and practical basis to drive technology transfer, development, and innovation in the energy sector. Implementation will center on:

Assessing the technological capacity of domestic enterprises and research institutes; strengthening connections between the research community and businesses to facilitate the reception and application of foreign technology; and forecasting human resource needs to serve Viet Nam's energy transition process.

Mr. Nguyen Mai Duong noted that the Ministry of Science and Technology is actively promoting policies to support innovation among enterprises, encourage research and clean energy technology transfer, develop the science and technology market, and enhance the domestic capacity for localizing renewable energy technology. "The CASE Viet Nam Project will help Viet Namese businesses participate more deeply in the global value chain for clean energy", he stressed.

Viet Nam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 presents a major challenge while simultaneously opening an opportunity to reshape the national development model toward a green and sustainable direction. Innovation is considered the crucial driver for turning this commitment into concrete action.

Sharing Germany's experience, Mr. Sascha Hocke, Deputy Country Director of GIZ in Viet Nam, highlighted that the synergy of policy, research, and cooperation among the government, academia, and businesses can create new industries, new jobs, and encourage community engagement. He stated that Viet Nam's recent policy directions, such as Resolution No. 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, and innovation, and Resolution No. 70 on ensuring energy security, will serve as a solid foundation for this transition. Germany is committed to continuing its partnership, sharing its experience, and exploring advanced technologies with Viet Nam.

According to Ms. Vu Chi Mai, Director of CASE Viet Nam, the implementation phase will focus on linking domestic entities with international organizations in research and development, examining innovation indicators in the renewable energy industry, and assessing the financial capacity and infrastructure of Vietnamese businesses to supply clean energy equipment and services.

Not only does the project's signing contribute to promoting a sustainable energy transition, but it also carries a special meaning. It serves as a testament to the trusted cooperative relationship between Viet Nam and Germany as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations in October 2025.