Vietnam: Lidegaard signs agreement on energy cooperation with Vietnam
Denmark and Vietnam launches a cooperation to reduce energy consumption in Vietnamese buildings and industry. Today in Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Climate, Energy and Building Minister Martin Lidegaard, signed the agreement.
The agreement with Vietnam is an example of the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Building efforts in the so-called “action track”. Through specific agreements with several major fast growing developing countries the Ministry is trying to move the climate and energy policy in the world's growth regions in a greener direction.
With the agreement Vietnam will draw on Danish expertise in using energy as efficient as possible. Specifically, the aim is helping small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam - particularly with a focus on brickworks and ceramics industries. Denmark will also assist in implementing new requirements for energy-efficient buildings.
Efficient use of energy should be seen as a major contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the short term. It is estimated that energy efficient solutions count for 72% of the global reduction potential in 2020.
Vietnamese economy, energy consumption and CO2 emissions are growing rapidly. In 2000 Vietnam emitted more than 150 million tonnes of CO2 and emissions are expected to grow to 515 million tonnes in 2030.
- If we can help a country like Vietnam to become more energy efficient, it will have significant positive impact on the climate. And I have just experienced, that there is a great enthusiasm among Vietnamese to learn from the Danish experience, says Minister of Climate, Energy and Building, Martin Lidegaard.
In addition to Vietnam Denmark cooperates with others nations, such as China, Mexico and South Africa. The agreements are based on the challenges that each country faces, and on how to bring Danish years of experience in the field of energy into play. The Ministry focuses precisely on these emerging countries because that is where the emissions are growing rapidly and the reduction potential is highest.
Cooperation with Vietnam is supported by the Danish Climate Pool, and is managed by a newly created Low Carbon Transition Unit in the DEA.
Martin Lidegaard, Danish minister for Climate, Energy and Buildings can be contacted though Chief of Press; Claus Kaae-Nielsen på clkaa@kebmin.dk eller 0045 41729011