The conference was attended by representatives from the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment, MOIT, and the Departments of Industry and Trade of the Central and Central Highlands provinces. Also, representatives from Vietnam Electricity (EVN), PetroVietnam (PVN), Vinacomin (Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group), energy efficiency centers, technology development, and consulting centers under the Departments of Industry and Trade of various provinces and cities in the Central region, as well as organizations and individuals engaged in energy efficiency participated in the meeting.

In accordance with Resolution No. 65/2025/UBTVQH15, issued on January 15, 2025, by the National Assembly Standing Committee, regarding adjustments to the 2025 legislative program, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 283/QĐ-TTg on February 14, 2025, assigning responsibilities for drafting and submission timelines for legislative projects included in the 2025 legislative agenda. Under this decision, the Amendment to the Law on EE&C is scheduled for submission to the Government in February 2025 and to the National Assembly Standing Committee in March 2025.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang, Director General of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Department (MOIT), emphasized the importance of amending the law to facilitate the transition to a green economy, encourage investment in energy-saving technologies, and reduce emissions. The proposed amendments were shared with the conference participants and posted for public consultation on the Government’s and MOIT’s online portals.

At the conference, representatives from the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development presented the draft amendments to the Law on EE&C, which focus on four key policy areas: (i) Enhancing the effectiveness of state management in the field of energy efficiency; (ii) Regulating the management and development of energy consulting services, energy auditing, and workforce training in the energy efficiency sector; (iii) Establishing incentive policies and financial support mechanisms for energy efficiency initiatives; (iv) Developing market transformation policies and managing the efficiency of energy-consuming vehicles and equipment.

According to experts and stakeholders, the current Law on EEC lacks a legal framework for developing the energy efficiency market through the Energy Service Company (ESCO) model. During the conference, a representative from Vietnam Electricity (EVN) shared that between 2014 and 2019, EVN piloted six ESCO projects, which received positive feedback from customers.

"The biggest challenge EVN faces in implementing the ESCO model is the lack of a legal framework, including regulations on: ESCO company operations, methods for determining energy savings, resolution of ESCO contract disputes, asset transfer (for state-owned enterprises), and eligible users of ESCO services (public administrative units using state budget funds). EVN proposes that the amendment to the Law on Using Energy Efficiency and Conservation should include policy mechanisms to establish a legal framework and encourage ESCO companies' activities, fostering the rapid development of the energy service market in Vietnam," Mr. Tran Viet Nguyen, Deputy Head of Business Department, EVN, suggested.

At the conference, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ha, an energy expert, shared results from the pilot Voluntary Agreement Scheme (VAS) in Vietnam, implemented under the Vietnam-Denmark Energy Partnership Cooperation Program (2020–2025). He emphasized that Denmark's Energy Efficiency Business Fund could serve as a valuable reference for Vietnam in developing and operating a similar Energy Efficiency Fund in the future.

The amended EEC Law has introduced provisions to increase local authorities' responsibilities in monitoring compliance with energy consumption standards, regulations, and norms among businesses in their regions. It also mandates local governments to develop energy efficiency plans, oversee implementation, and report results annually and in five-year periods to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Tran Huynh Vuong Hoai Vu, Deputy Head of Energy Management, Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade, proposed three key recommendations: (i) Authorize provincial and municipal People’s Committees to annually review, inspect, and update the list of key energy-consuming facilities in their jurisdictions; (ii) Enhance local responsibility for monitoring compliance with Vietnam’s energy efficiency standards and regulations for energy-consuming equipment; (iii) Mandate local People’s Committees to assess the quality of energy efficiency consulting service providers. "These provisions will enable local authorities to proactively oversee, develop, and implement energy efficiency initiatives in a timely and effective manner. The results will then be reported to central authorities to ensure coordinated and unified governance," Mr. Vu emphasized.

The discussion session received valuable contributions on the mechanisms, policies, and draft amendments to the Law on EEC.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang, Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, highly appreciated the participants' contributions and stressed their crucial role in refining the draft amendment, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring sustainable energy use in Vietnam.

It is noted that the Consultation Conference on the Amendment to the Law on EE&C for the Southern Region will be organized by MOIT on February 27, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City.