Energy Transition Update: 02.11-09.11.2026
---
Energy Transition Update: 02.11-09.11.2026 ---
V-GREEN EXPANDS ELECTRIC MOTORBIKE BATTERY-SWAPPING NETWORK ACROSS VIETNAM
VnExpress – 5 November 2026
V-Green plans to expand its electric motorbike battery-swapping network from approximately 80,000 cabinets nationwide to 150,000 by the end of 2026, improving access to electric mobility. The growing network allows users to replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones in just 2–3 minutes, reducing waiting times and dependence on conventional charging infrastructure. Battery-swapping cabinets are increasingly available in residential areas, parking facilities and busy transport corridors, particularly benefiting apartment residents without private charging facilities and ride-hailing drivers seeking to minimise downtime. VinFast currently offers 20 free battery swaps per month until 30 June 2028, with additional swaps costing VND 9,000 each. Users can locate nearby cabinets, check battery availability and complete transactions through the VinFast mobile application. Expanding this infrastructure could encourage wider electric motorbike adoption, reduce barriers to cleaner urban transport and support Vietnam’s transition towards low-emission mobility.
VIETNAM LAUNCHES PROJECT TO SEQUENCE 1,000 RICE GENOMES FOR CLIMATE-RESILIENT BREEDING
VnEconomy – 6 November 2026
Vietnam has launched the VN1K-RICE project to sequence the genomes of 1,000 Vietnamese rice varieties, creating a genetic database to support biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and low-emission agriculture. Introduced by VinUni’s VinBigdata Institute (VIBD) under the 2026–2030 AgriOmics-AI research programme, the project will begin with 150 core samples before expanding to traditional, cultivated and wild rice varieties from different ecosystems. Researchers will combine genomic data with field assessments across three ecological regions to identify genes associated with drought, salinity, heat and flood tolerance, disease resistance, grain quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Artificial intelligence will help analyse genetic information and identify desirable traits, potentially accelerating the development of improved rice varieties. The project also aims to establish high-quality reference genomes for indigenous rice varieties, whose genetic diversity remains largely unexplored. These advances could strengthen Vietnam’s agricultural resilience, preserve valuable genetic resources and support the transition towards sustainable, low-emission rice production.
HO CHI MINH CITY PLEDGES NOT TO SACRIFICE CAN GIO’S ENVIRONMENT FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
VnExpress – 6 November 2026
Ho Chi Minh City has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve while pursuing economic development in coastal areas. The city plans to develop Can Gio into a green, smart coastal urban centre, integrating ecosystem conservation with ecotourism, logistics and maritime activities. A major project is the proposed 571-hectare Can Gio International Transshipment Port, with an estimated investment of nearly USD 5 billion, expected to become a key economic driver by 2030. The city also targets annual growth of 8% in marine aquaculture production value and 14% in coastal and island tourism revenue by 2030. Authorities emphasise three priorities: balancing urban development with nature conservation, applying science and green finance to environmental protection, and placing local communities at the centre of sustainable development. Experts recommend controlling tourism pressures, protecting mangrove ecosystems and exploring carbon markets and ecosystem services as additional sources of conservation finance. Balancing these priorities will be essential to ensuring economic expansion does not undermine Can Gio’s biodiversity, coastal protection and community livelihoods.
HANOI TO PUT 31 MORE ELECTRIC BUSES INTO OPERATION
VietnamPlus – 7 November 2026
Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco) has introduced 31 electric buses to replace all diesel-powered vehicles on three routes: 03B, 28 and 100, advancing the capital’s transition towards greener public transport. Each bus accommodates 60 passengers and features low floors, accessibility facilities for people with disabilities and modern amenities to improve passenger convenience. By the end of October 2026, Transerco had deployed 375 electric buses across 24 routes, including 281 introduced in the first half of the year and 94 in October. Another 15 electric buses replaced diesel vehicles on route 40 from 1 November. Transerco aims to increase the proportion of environmentally friendly vehicles in its fleet to more than 51% by the end of 2026, exceeding the city's target. The transition is expected to reduce transport emissions, improve urban air quality and support Hanoi’s development of a more sustainable public transport system.
GREEN CONSUMPTION RESHAPES THE RULES OF BUSINESS COMPETITION
VnEconomy – 9 November 2026
Growing demand for environmentally friendly products and stricter international sustainability standards are reshaping business competition in Vietnam. Some consumers are willing to pay around 20% more for green products, encouraging businesses to improve environmental performance, resource efficiency and product durability. Exporters face increasing requirements for carbon footprint reporting, traceability and supply chain transparency, particularly under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Agricultural company AgriS is developing a digital traceability platform covering farming conditions, greenhouse gas emissions and product origins, while INSEE Vietnam is exploring construction waste recycling as Ho Chi Minh City’s construction waste could reach 6 million tonnes in 2026. Meanwhile, Signify Vietnam reports growing consumer interest in durable, energy-efficient lighting products that reduce resource consumption and waste. These developments suggest that sustainability is becoming an increasingly important determinant of market access, consumer preferences and long-term business competitiveness.
Summarised by Phan Le and Hai Thanh Nguyen
In collaboration with the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions