On December 12, 2024, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) held an announcement ceremony and workshop on the “National Science and Technology Program Serving the Goal of Net Zero Emissions in Vietnam” (Code: KC.16/24-30) to implement Vietnam's commitments made at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Panoramic view of the ceremony
Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat stated that, in thoroughly implementing the Prime Minister's directives, MOST urgently coordinated with relevant agencies, organizations, scientists, and experts to develop and promulgate the national-level Science and Technology Program KC.16/24-30, serving the goal of net zero emissions in Vietnam. This program will run parallel with other ongoing national science and technology programs to jointly promote scientific and technological solutions, especially focusing on green technologies and greenhouse gas emission reduction technologies, contributing to fulfilling Vietnam's COP26 commitments.
The NetZero Science and Technology Program will serve as a foundational platform to generate breakthrough solutions in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, greenhouse gas emission abatement, and the transition toward a green, circular economy, thereby enhancing environmental quality in Vietnam. It will foster technological development, innovation, and job creation in green tech industries, while strengthening national competitiveness, green growth, and sustainable development.
Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat delivering his opening address
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Linh, Director General of the Department of Technology Assessment, Examination and Appraisal (MOST), outlined the program's three primary objectives:
First, encouraging scientific and practical research to propose and refine policies, technical standards, and governance solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of state administration toward achieving net zero emissions in Vietnam. According to Mr. Linh, while the Government has established general legal frameworks and regulations for emission reductions, more specific policy proposals are essential, such as formulating criteria and standards for evaluating clean and green technologies.
Second, focusing research on proposing models and solutions for green, circular, and low-carbon economic development; collaborating with international organizations and overseas Vietnamese scientists to propose advanced technological solutions and enhance high-quality human resources in this domain. According to Mr. Linh, Vietnam currently lacks internationally accredited bodies competent in conducting greenhouse gas inventories at industrial facilities to facilitate carbon credit trading. Therefore, the program invites proposals to build and institutionalize greenhouse gas inventory capacities.
Third, focusing on applied research, reverse engineering, technological decoding, and technology transfer; advancing engineering techniques across various industries to support management, measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) for greenhouse gas reduction, developing green technologies, new energy, and advanced materials. Furthermore, research will target the development and application of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies to reduce consumption and support the energy transition. Mr. Linh noted that the Net Zero Program will proceed alongside nearly 20 other national science and technology programs managed by MOST.
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Linh, Director General of the Department of Technology Assessment, Examination and Appraisal, addressing the conference
CECO attended the announcement ceremony and workshop as an invited guest of the Department of Technology Assessment, Examination and Appraisal. In recent years, CECO has collaborated closely with numerous domestic and international investors on research into advanced, clean technologies for application in renewable and alternative energy projects, such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, rice husk biomass power, and waste-to-energy, from the earliest project preparation stages (including feasibility study preparation, appraisal, verification, and specialized engineering advisory services). Consequently, this presents an excellent opportunity for CECO to participate actively in key policy forums and symposiums, such as the Technology Management Policy Forum for Socio-Economic Development held within Techconnect and Innovation Vietnam 2024 (co-chaired by MOST and the Hanoi People's Committee in September 2024, focusing on connecting technology and innovation), and the Investment Promotion Conference and Workshop on “New Energy and Renewable Energy – Potential and Investment Resources” organized by the Ben Tre Provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Industry and Trade in October 2024.
CECO representatives attending the Announcement Ceremony and Workshop on the National Science and Technology Program for Net Zero Target
CECO delegates discussing proposed participation plans under the KC.16 Net Zero Program with Director General Nguyen Hoang Linh
Beyond its core capacity as an engineering and construction consultancy, CECO actively engages in scientific research, having successfully undertaken and completed numerous state- and ministerial-level scientific research projects that received high acclaim and exhibited practical industrial applicability. Leveraging nearly 60 years of heritage, a highly qualified engineering team, and close partnerships with leading scientists and experts from the Chemical Society of Vietnam (CSV) and the Vietnam Association of Chemical Engineering (VACE), CECO stands fully capable of executing state-level research missions, contributing meaningfully to Vietnam's 2050 Net Zero ambition./.
Source: Synthesis
Thanh Nhan
