The training program “Scaling Up Energy Efficiency for Leaders in the Steel Industry” was held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 14, 2025, within the framework of the “Vietnam Scaling Up Energy Efficiency Project” (VSUEE), jointly implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the World Bank. This is the seventh training course in a series designed specifically for industrial enterprise leaders, following the success of previous courses, aiming to help businesses improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance competitiveness.

The steel industry plays an important role in Vietnam’s economy, serving as a key input material for many major industries such as construction, mechanical engineering, automobile manufacturing, and electronics. However, energy efficiency in this sector remains low compared to developed countries, mainly due to outdated production technology, inefficient energy management, and insufficient investment in technological innovation. In addition, awareness of energy efficiency among some enterprises is still incomplete, leading to high production costs and significant greenhouse gas emissions.

In the context of the global push for green industry, carbon emission reduction, and the application of digital technology in production, Vietnam’s steel industry faces both opportunities and challenges. International markets, especially multinational corporations and regions such as the EU, the United States, and Japan, are imposing increasingly stringent requirements on environmental standards and energy efficiency throughout the supply chain. Therefore, improving energy efficiency is not only a cost-saving solution but also a vital factor for maintaining and expanding export markets.

The training in Ho Chi Minh City provided steel industry leaders with in-depth and practical knowledge, including: (i) Strengthening the capacity to identify and develop energy efficiency (EE) projects; (ii) Methods for conducting energy audits and financial analysis for EE projects; (iii) Introduction and application of measurement, reporting, and verification systems; (iv) Developing business and marketing strategies aligned with sustainable development goals.

A highlight of the program was the presentation of advanced technological solutions for the steel industry, including: using electric arc furnace (EAF) technology to replace traditional blast furnaces to reduce energy consumption; applying green hydrogen steelmaking technology to cut carbon emissions; recovering waste heat from production processes to generate electricity through waste heat recovery systems; improving processes and installing high-performance equipment; optimizing compressed air and industrial gas systems; and implementing energy management systems in accordance with ISO 50001. In addition, the course emphasized the use of digital transformation to monitor, analyze, and optimize energy consumption in real time.

Beyond raising awareness, the training also helped business leaders develop strategic thinking and concrete action plans to improve production efficiency, reduce operating costs, meet international market requirements, and contribute to Vietnam’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

In the coming period, the VSUEE Project will continue to organize specialized training courses for energy managers and technicians in various industries, aiming to spread knowledge, promote technological innovation, and foster a culture of energy efficiency within the business community nationwide.

The “Scaling Up Energy Efficiency in Industrial Enterprises in Vietnam” training program is part of Component 2: Technical Assistance within the framework of the “Vietnam Scaling Up Energy Efficiency Project” (VSUEE). This program offers a series of courses ranging from general to advanced levels on energy efficiency for leaders, energy managers, and technical staff in eight industries including: Beverages; Seafood; Textiles; Pulp and paper; Bricks and ceramics; Steel; Cement; and Plastics. - Through this training program, the Project aims to: - Enhance awareness and professional capacity on energy efficiency at both leadership and technical levels. - Build a core team capable of leading and implementing energy efficiency initiatives and projects within enterprises. - Develop roadmaps for improving energy performance tailored to each sector’s production conditions and sustainable development goals. - Increase enterprise competitiveness by reducing energy costs and meeting international environmental and energy standards. - Contribute to the national target of promoting energy efficiency and fulfilling Vietnam’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions