Vietnam Leads Editorial Board Meeting on Amending Energy Efficiency Law for Net-Zero 2050

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien led the inaugural meeting of the Editorial Board tasked with amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Using Energy Efficiency and Conservation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s headquarters. The meeting gathered members from various ministries, political organizations, industry associations, and corporations.

The Editorial Board includes representatives from key ministries such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Construction, and several others. The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, along with experts from related fields, also attended the session.

Background of Revisions
The revision of the Law on Using Energy Efficiency and Conservation follows Resolution No. 240/NQ-CP issued by the Government on December 17, 2024. The resolution emphasized the need for legislative amendments to institutionalize the Party’s policies on energy efficiency and to support Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The existing law, in effect since January 2011, has been a key legislative milestone in Vietnam’s energy efficiency efforts. However, after over 15 years of implementation, certain shortcomings in addressing evolving challenges have emerged, necessitating a review and updates to the law.

Discussion on Amendments
Key topics discussed included strengthening mandatory measures within the law, encouraging technological transformation, and adopting energy-saving solutions through specific incentive mechanisms, such as tax benefits and land-use advantages.

The Editorial Board reviewed the first draft of the amended law and government proposals, with feedback from 11 corporations and government ministries. A significant recommendation was to shift from incentive-based provisions to mandatory regulations to improve energy efficiency across industries. Participants stressed the importance of conducting further research to ensure that the law effectively addresses the needs of specialized sectors like transportation and agriculture.

Key Objectives of the Revisions
The proposed amendments aim to align Vietnam’s energy efficiency policies with international standards and address both domestic and global challenges. The changes will streamline legal procedures, enhance state management, and foster a legal framework that encourages energy efficiency nationwide. Moreover, the revisions will help attract international investments and support the country’s transition to an energy-efficient market.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien concluded the meeting by emphasizing the importance of the amendments in supporting Vietnam’s energy efficiency goals and net-zero emissions commitment. The draft law and government proposals are set to be submitted for further review by the Ministry of Industry and Trade by February 12, 2025.