Clean Energy – Earth Hour 2024 in Hanoi

Ha Noi, 23 March 2024 – Thousands of citizens, businesses, and organisations gathered on the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake to participate in the event “Clean Energy – Crafting A Green and Sustainable Future”, in response to the Earth Hour 2024 campaign. This annual event plays a significant role in raising community awareness about energy conservation, promoting the use of clean energy, and protecting the environment.

The event “Clean Energy – Crafting A Green and Sustainable Future” is organised by the “Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia” (CASE) Project sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Actions (BMWK) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), in coordination with the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem District, the Viet Nam Electricity Group, and Hanoi Power Corporation. Aimed at the Net Zero target by 2050, the event features various creative and meaningful activities.

In his opening speech, Sven Ernedal, Acting Programme Director emphasised the importance of promoting and raising awareness within the community about energy efficiency and clean energy usage. Sven shared, “We are very happy to see many people coming over and join us. We believe that renewable energy is the key to unlocking a green and sustainable future, with green hydrogen emerging as a new energy source, significantly contributing to carbon emission reduction. We can produce clean hydrogen by harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. This environmentally friendly energy source can bring about positive changes and shape a brighter future for the next generations”.

Highlighting the importance of promoting energy efficiency, Trinh Hoang Tung, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, Ha Noi, expressed his hope that the community, especially enthusiastic young people, would actively participate in and expand meaningful activities and spread the message of the Earth Hour campaign to those around. Through such efforts, in 2023, energy savings throughout Hoan Kiem District exceeded 14 million kWh. In 2024, the district aims to achieve energy savings of 1.6% – 1.8% compared to the forecasted energy demand, with a minimum saving of 2.2% of total electricity consumption for consumption areas within the area. Tung emphasised, “Economically and efficiently using the existing energy sources while transitioning from traditional energy sources to renewable, affordable, and secure energy sources is becoming increasingly imperative. To achieve this, concerted efforts are needed from relevant agencies, businesses, individuals, communities, and especially the younger generation.”

One of the unique aspects of the event is the active participation of experts from departments, industries, businesses, research institutes, and universities. Representatives from these entities shared detailed information about the energy sector, providing a comprehensive view of how we can use renewable energy and energy efficiency in our daily lives.

In recent years, The Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) has been consistantly taken a leading role in response to Earth Hour initiatives. Mr. Vo Quang Lam, Deputy General Director of EVN, brought valuable insights into energy efficiency and energy saving to the event. “When everyone understands that our power sources are limited, everyone joins hands to build an electricity-saving society not only to overcome current difficulties but also for a brighter future, sustainable energy security for the country, I am confident that you will have your own way every day to save and maintain this good habit for a sustainable future for yourself, your family and your society”, Lam affirmed.

“We cannot deny the significant role of applying science, technology, and innovation in the progress towards efficient and sustainable energy use. From changing household habits to optimising production processes, scientific and technological advancements provide solutions to minimise energy consumption and promote sustainability”, said Ms. Tran Thi Hong Lan, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Science and Technology.

“In the context of the world’s energy resources being gradually exhausted and the environment being polluted, the use of clean energy, energy saving and efficiency, requires the cooperation of the entire society, from the specific actions of each individual, each household, each business and community. What we need to aim for is not just saving electricity and protecting the environment for an hour, but building a conscious, responsible lifestyle throughout 365 days, so that every hour of the year is an “Earth Hour”. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Member of EVNHANOI’s Board of Directors emphasized.

The exhibition booths at the event attracted considerable attention from visitors. Businesses and organisations introduced new technologies and products, reaffirming their commitment to the development and promotion of clean energy.

Moreover, the event featured interactive activities with the community, such as tree planting to “green” the Earth, exploring fascinating renewable energy technologies at booths, and participating in waste collection, sorting, and recycling. Games and activities aimed at enhancing awareness of clean and efficient energy technologies created a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The highlight of this event was the painting “Crafting a Green and Sustainable Future”. This artwork reflects the community’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable energy use. Created by a group of artists and event participants, especially children, the painting not only showcases creativity but also conveys profound messages about love and responsibility for the environment.

“We are honoured and delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with GIZ ESP in organising this meaningful event”, shared Pham Gia Phong, an artist involved in painting the artwork. “The painting is not just a piece of art but also a way for us to convey the message about the importance of environmental protection and building a green future for the next generation”, Phong added.

The painting “Crafting a Green and Sustainable Future” was exhibited on the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake during the event, creating a focal point and reminding everyone of the importance of taking action to protect the environment.

If you want to know more about the project, please visit: Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) | Internationale Klimaschutzinitiative (IKI) (international-climate-initiative.com)