Vietnam's Energy Efficiency Network is an initiative within the framework of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project, jointly developed by the General Directorate of Energy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and GIZ under the authorization of the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Speaking at the launching event, Mr.Markus Bissel, Head of the Energy Efficiency Division of the project, said: "The purpose of this network is to connect companies to improve energy efficiency through sharing and learning activities from each other. The whole process will be clearly planned, with the coordination of German experts on energy efficiency. The companies will also benefit from energy audits and the advice of Vietnamese consultants, as well as the connection with German technology and service partners."

The world's first energy efficiency network was established in 1987 in Zurich, Switzerland. This has become a common model in the world, and has proven to be an effective and important tool for promoting energy efficiency. In 2009, 30 energy efficiency networks were established and save 12% of electricity use in five years. Between 2014 and 2020, up to 500 different networks are expected to be established in Germany.

"The reason behind the establishment of the Vietnam Energy Efficiency Network is because we think each company has certain strengths in terms of energy efficiency. If we work together, we will be easier to understand more and together make energy consumption more efficiently. According to this model, each network has only 10-15 enterprises, so that companies have a lot of opportunities to participate in discussion and shared information at maximum level. These networks will help companies reduce their energy costs, improve their productivity and competitiveness, and they will also help with the use of energy and clearer and more transparent related data, and promote the innovation in all sectors, "Bissel said.

Criteria for selection of companies participating in Vietnam's energy efficiency network are those with high energy consumption costs, based in the same region and not as direct competitors. To become an official member, the participating company will need to appoint an energy manager and sign a written statement stating his/her willingness to participate.

After the first meeting, eight companies in the textile, paper, transport and rubber and plastic processing sectors, as well as the first members of the network, will be conducted energy audits. German and Vietnamese consultants will visit the workshops and assist in the audit process.

As one of the most dynamically developing countries in Asia, Vietnam is facing a rapidly growing demand for electricity, expected to double in the coming years. Industries, transportation, and residential areas are currently the three most consuming sectors.

The Vietnamese government has always prioritized energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is one of the main contents of Vietnam's Power Development Plan VII and Vietnam Green Growth Strategy. In this context, initiatives such as the Vietnam Energy Efficiency Network will play an important role as they will connect and enable companies to play a key role in reducing electricity costs and enhancing business efficiency.