Energy Transition Update: 12.10 -19.10.2026
Energy Transition Update: 12.10-19.10.2026
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Energy Transition Update: 12.10-19.10.2026 ---
HANOI TIGHTENS CONTROL OVER THREE EMISSION SOURCES AS POLLUTION SEASON LOOMS
VietnamPlus – 13 October 2026
Hanoi is tightening controls on traffic-related dust, construction activities and uncontrolled open burning ahead of its peak air-pollution season from November to March. Between January and September 2026, 74.42% of days recorded good or moderate air quality, an improvement over the same period last year, but seasonal pollution remains a concern. Measures include stricter monitoring of open burning, construction-site shielding, vehicle washing and more frequent street cleaning across all 126 communes and wards. Cleaner transport is also a priority, with 44.3% of the city's bus fleet converted to electric or compressed natural gas vehicles, although petrol-powered motorcycles still account for 94–97% of motorcycles within Ring Road 1. Meanwhile, 53 polluting production facilities have been identified for corrective action or relocation, with major cases targeted for resolution by 2030. Stronger coordination with neighbouring provinces will help Hanoi monitor pollution sources and respond more effectively to dry-season air pollution.
HO CHI MINH CITY ADOPTS CIRCULAR ECONOMY ACTION PLAN THROUGH 2035
VnEconomy – 16 October 2026
Ho Chi Minh City has adopted an action plan to develop a circular economy by 2035, aiming to use resources more efficiently, reduce waste and create new economic value from recycled materials and industrial by-products. Issued under Decision 6769/QD-UBND on 13 October 2026, the plan sets targets for waste management, energy use and emissions while promoting innovation and markets for secondary raw materials. It identifies 10 priority sectors, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, construction, transport, tourism and waste management. Businesses will be encouraged to adopt cleaner production technologies, extend product lifecycles and turn waste into inputs for other industries. The city also aims to strengthen cooperation between businesses and attract investment in circular technologies and infrastructure. By 2035, Ho Chi Minh City seeks to become a centre for circular economy innovation, technology and investment, supporting greener growth and greater economic competitiveness.
LOW-EMISSION RICE FARMING INCREASES FARMERS’ PROFITS BY UP TO VND 9.3 MILLION PER HECTARE
VnExpress – 16 October 2026
Low-emission rice farming in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is helping farmers increase profits by VND 1.5–9.3 million per hectare per crop compared with conventional practices. Under the one-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice programme, participating farms have increased yields by 5–12% while reducing seed use by 30–50%, chemical fertilisers by 20–30% and irrigation water by 20–40%. Greenhouse gas emissions have also fallen by 3–4 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per hectare per crop. By September 2026, more than 175,000 households had registered, with nearly 421,000 hectares adopting some or all sustainable farming practices. Financial support has expanded, including nearly VND 4 trillion in preferential loans, while Australia is supporting climate-resilient rice production through projects such as TRVC. Scaling up these practices will require continued technical assistance, stronger market connections and fair benefit-sharing arrangements to ensure that lower emissions translate into sustainable incomes for farmers.
MALAYSIA’S PETRONAS SEEKS TO SUPPLY LONG-TERM LNG TO VIETNAM
VnExpress – 17 October 2026
Malaysia’s national oil and gas company Petronas has proposed supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Vietnam under long-term contracts while cooperating with PetroVietnam to develop LNG infrastructure. During a meeting with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on 16 October, Petronas also expressed interest in wind power, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and technology transfer. Another priority is the proposed Vietnam–Malaysia–Singapore electricity interconnection, which could strengthen regional energy trading and support the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. Vietnam is reviewing its energy regulations and Power Development Plan VIII to facilitate investment and meet growing electricity demand. The two companies have cooperated for more than 30 years, including the PM3-CAA oil and gas project, which has generated over USD 25 billion in revenue. A new strategic alliance agreement aims to expand their partnership across the energy value chain, supporting energy security, investment and regional connectivity.
Summarised by Phan Le and Hai Thanh Nguyen
In collaboration with the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions