Energy sector seeks to cope with climate change

Developing a low-carbon economy to reduce the impact of climate change dominated a seminar held by UK Embassy in Hanoi on March 28.

On the theme “Coping with climate change and investment opportunities in energy efficiency in Southeast Asia”, the seminar helped financial investors, consultancy companies and policymakers study the use of energy efficiency in Southeast Asia.

The seminar also announced the market feasibility report on “Energy Efficiency in Southeast Asia: Investment Opportunities”.

Prolonged storms, floods, and other natural disasters have recently hit many countries including Vietnam, as a result of climate change, said Antony Stokes, UK Ambassador to Vietnam.

He emphasized the need to increase the competitiveness of investment regulations regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy, and encourage businesses to save energy.

According to Phuong Hoang Kim, Deputy Director of Science and Technology and Chief of the Energy Efficiency Office under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s power demand has risen 18.3 percent and power supply shortfall increased three-fold compared with last year.

Vietnam has adopted programmes and strategies on energy efficiency with a focus on diverse, suitable and effective exploitation of natural resources to meet the power demand of socio-economic development, and ensure energy security for the future, Kim said.