On 6 November 2025, the Viet Nam National University of Forestry (VNUF) hosted a kick-off meeting to launch its initiative selected under the First Call for Technical Assistance of the EU–Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Facility (EVSET Facility). This Facility is one of four complementary projects within the EU–Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (SETP). The event marked an important milestone in advancing the implementation of Component 2, which supports non-MOIT entities under the EVSET Facility.
The selected initiative, titled “Capacity Development and Building for Solid Biofuels Value Chain Key Actors in Viet Nam”, aims to strengthen both human and institutional capacities in Viet Nam’s rapidly growing solid biofuels sector. Supported technically and financially by the European Union through the SETP, the nine-month initiative will enable VNUF and six partner universities to design a comprehensive and integrated training curriculum on solid biofuels while enhancing the capacity of their lecturers. The programme will address key areas such as technology, sustainability, and market development, fostering stronger connections between academic training and the practical needs of the bioenergy industry.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Adrian Twomey, EVSET Facility Team Leader, emphasised that the Facility was established under the SETP framework to provide technical assistance not only to entities under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) but also to universities and research organisations that play a critical role in advancing Viet Nam’s sustainable energy transition. He underscored that the support provided to VNUF under this call demonstrates the EU’s commitment to strengthening national capacities and fostering practical collaboration between academia and industry in renewable energy development.
Mr. Adrian Twomey, Team Leader of the EVSET Facility, presents an overview of the EVSET Facility and the SETP Programme. Image credit: Tinh Tran.
Representing VNUF, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui The Doi, Vice President of VNUF expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support through the EVSET Facility. He reaffirmed VNUF’s readiness to take the lead in developing and piloting Viet Nam’s first integrated training curriculum on solid biofuels. Dr. Doi emphasised that this initiative plays a vital role in equipping future engineers, researchers, and energy professionals with both technical knowledge and practical skills required to meet the growing demands of the renewable energy sector. He also noted that by tapping into the potential billion-USD solid biofuel market, the initiative will contribute to the country’s transition toward a sustainable energy future.
Dr. Bui The Doi, Vice President of VNUF, delivers the opening remarks and expresses appreciation for the EU and EVSET Facility’s technical support under CfTA1. Image credit: Tinh Tran.
The project, led by VNUF in partnership with six technical universities—Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), Thai Nguyen University of Science (TNUS), Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City (NLU), and Thu Dau Mot University (TDMU)—will establish Viet Nam’s first comprehensive training programme dedicated to solid biofuels. In addition, a national Trainer Network will be created to connect academics, researchers, and practitioners, ensuring continuous knowledge exchange and curriculum updates aligned with international standards such as SBP, FSC, PEFC, and ISO 38200:2018.
By embedding the new curriculum within higher education institutions, the initiative is expected to enhance the quality of Viet Nam’s renewable energy workforce, stimulate innovation in bioenergy technologies, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in global renewable energy markets. Furthermore, it will directly contribute to national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the sustainable utilisation of forest and agricultural residues as renewable energy sources.
VNUF lecturers and division heads discuss the necessity and significance of the support package. Image credit: Tinh Tran.
Funded by the European Union and implemented under the SETP, the EVSET Facility continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Viet Nam’s low-carbon development through targeted technical assistance, policy support, and capacity-building initiatives. The kick-off event for VNUF’s initiative exemplifies how the Facility’s support extends beyond the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) to engage a broader network of national institutions, research bodies, and universities driving the country’s green transition.
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The EU–Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Facility (EVSET Facility) is structured into five components. Among them, Component 2: Technical Assistance for non-MOIT entities is designed as an annual call mechanism for organisations outside the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), aiming to enhance energy efficiency, promote renewable energy deployment, and improve the performance of Viet Nam’s Energy Information System.
Notably, under the first Call for Technical Assistance (CfTA1) launched in mid-2023, the Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF) was selected as the first initiative to be implemented under Component 2.
Each year, the EVSET Facility will continue to launch new calls for proposals from non-MOIT institutions—including provincial authorities, research institutes, and social or professional organizations—to further broaden stakeholder participation in Viet Nam’s sustainable energy transition process.
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