A solar power project in Đà Nẵng City. —Photo nhandan.vn

ĐÀ NẴNG — The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and central Đà Nẵng City People’s Committee have launched a project promoting urban energy security during an online event held on Wednesday.

USAID Vietnam Urban Energy Security is a four-year (2019-2023), $14 million project to promote deployment of advanced, distributed energy solutions in urban areas in Đà Nẵng and HCM City.

It addresses Việt Nam’s rapidly growing energy demand and air pollution in urban areas by working with governments and creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs. The project supports the deployment of advanced distributed energy solutions such as rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles, waste-to-energy, and other energy efficiency solutions.

At its completion, the project aims to achieve a number of high-level expected results in Đà Nẵng.

These are:

* at least 40 megawatts of advanced, distributed energy systems deployed.

* at least $60 million in public and private investment mobilised for advanced, distributed urban energy systems.

* at least five innovative solutions to address urban energy and environment issues demonstrated and/or commercialised.

USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock. said: “USAID is helping Việt Nam transition to a more resilient energy sector, powered by renewable energy.

"We are excited to work with Đà Nẵng to promote clean energy in the region, provide access to technical expertise, and become a global convening centre to help Việt Nam realise its goals in renewable energy.”

Đà Nẵng is viewed as among the most dynamic, green, and smart cities in Việt Nam. Investing in renewable energy and other advanced energy efficiency solutions will increase the competitiveness of the city, attract green investments, and directly benefit the citizens of the city with a cleaner environment. In addition, these solutions also contribute to the long-term mitigation of the impact of climate change to the city and its citizens.

The Đà Nẵng City Government has a strong commitment to respond to climate change, protect the environment and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and has set priorities to accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment with specific target and action plans. USAID is providing technical support to the Đà Nẵng Department of Industry and Trade in operationalising these strategies.

Over the past five years, USAID has committed more than $40 million to support the energy sector in Việt Nam and plans to commit an additional $36 million over the next five years. — VNS