Energy Transition Update: 28.9 -05.10.2026
Energy Transition Update: 28.9-05.10.2026
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Energy Transition Update: 28.9-05.10.2026 ---
HANOI PILOTS DISTRIBUTION OF STANDARDISED WASTE BAGS
VnExpress – 29 September 2026
Hanoi is piloting standardised waste bags for more than 500 households and businesses in Le Thanh Tong residential area, Cua Nam ward. Households receive 10-litre bags, while businesses use 40-litre bags for residual waste left after sorting. Each bag includes a QR code with instructions for separating waste into four groups: recyclable, hazardous, bulky and residual waste. The pilot is designed to move away from flat waste-collection fees towards a “pay as you throw” system, where those producing less waste pay less and those producing more pay more. Three-wheeled electric vehicles are also being tested to collect separated waste directly from residents at designated times. Running until the end of 2026, the scheme could provide a model for wider implementation as Hanoi seeks to improve waste sorting, encourage recycling and reduce the roughly 7,500 – 8,000 tonnes of household waste generated each day.
PROPOSAL FOR BUSINESSES TO COLLECT EV BATTERIES FOR RECYCLING FROM 2029
VnExpress – 29 September 2026
Vietnam is proposing mandatory recycling requirements for electric vehicle batteries from 2029 as part of revisions to its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Producers and importers would be required to collect and recycle 8% of EV batteries sold during 2029-2031, up from the current requirement of 0%, with the rate rising to 15% for the following three years. Batteries could be dismantled to recover plastics, lithium and other metals, or exported for recycling where domestic capacity is insufficient. Recognising that Vietnam’s recycling infrastructure and technology remain limited, businesses unable to meet the 8% requirement in 2029 could carry the outstanding amount forward for up to five years. The proposal would also remove the option of simply making financial contributions to the Environmental Protection Fund instead of fulfilling recycling obligations directly. Reusing retired EV batteries for energy storage is also being considered, which could extend battery life, reduce waste and support a more circular EV industry.
JAPAN SUPPORTS VIETNAM IN DEVELOPING QUANTITATIVE RAINFALL FORECASTING TECHNOLOGY
VnEconomy – 30 September 2026
Japan is supporting Vietnam in developing more accurate quantitative rainfall forecasting and strengthening early warnings for heavy rain, floods and related disasters. The JICA-supported project will run from September 2026 to September 2028, building on earlier cooperation that improved the use of weather radar, automatic rain gauges and other observation data. Japanese experts will work with Vietnamese agencies on short-term and very-short-term rainfall forecasting, radar data assimilation and ensemble forecasting. A major focus is improving the accuracy of forecasts for intense local rainfall that can develop quickly and remains difficult to predict several hours in advance. The project will also establish specialised research and technical teams, with training, expert exchanges and research opportunities in Japan. By combining technology transfer with workforce development, Vietnam aims to build the domestic capacity needed to operate and further improve its rainfall forecasting systems after the project ends.
CAN THO CARRIES OUT GORICE PROJECT ON SUSTAINABLE, LOW-EMISSION RICE VALUE CHAINS
VietnamPlus – 3 October 2026
Can Tho is implementing the GoRice project from 2026 to 2029 to promote sustainable, climate-resilient and low-emission rice production in seven communes. With a budget of VND 15 billion (about USD 577,300), the project will train farmers, cooperatives and agricultural extension staff in climate-smart production techniques. It will also promote circular economy practices, including better use of rice straw and husks to reduce waste and create additional income. Women and ethnic minority farmers will receive particular support in entrepreneurship, financial management and access to capital, equipment and production inputs. Another focus is measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of emission reductions, alongside stronger market links for low-emission rice. By combining lower-carbon farming with income generation and greater participation of women and ethnic minorities, GoRice aims to make the rice value chain both more sustainable and more inclusive.
MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE URGES LOCALITIES TO SUPPORT ROOFTOP SOLAR
VnExpress – 3 October 2026
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is urging local governments to introduce support policies for self-consumption rooftop solar as electricity demand grows by around 10% a year. Rooftop solar capacity nationwide has already reached about 11,000 MWp, providing a relatively quick source of additional electricity without requiring land clearance and while reducing pressure on transmission infrastructure. Under Directive 10, Vietnam aims for around 10% of public offices and 10% of households to install and use rooftop solar, including systems combined with battery storage. Rooftop solar targets have also been allocated to individual provinces under Power Development Plan VIII, with local authorities responsible for developing support measures within their powers. The push comes as several planned power generation and grid projects remain behind schedule. Faster rooftop solar deployment, alongside energy-saving measures and improvements to the wider power system, could therefore help Vietnam meet rapidly rising electricity demand while expanding distributed renewable energy.
Summarised by Phan Le and Hai Thanh Nguyen
In collaboration with the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions