Hanoi – On September 3rd, AICS Hanoi took part in the roundtable “Italy–Vietnam Cooperation in the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP): opportunities for Italian companies”, held in the Vietnamese capital and organized by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MoIT), in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Vietnam, as part of the country’s ongoing energy transition process.
The event, which saw the participation of high Vietnamese and Italian institutional representatives, provided an important opportunity to discuss the progress of the country’s Power Development Plan (PDP8) and the prospects for bilateral cooperation within the JETP framework.
Among the key institutional speeches was that of Valentino Valentini, Italy’s Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, who emphasized Italy’s strategic role as a partner to Vietnam in its energy transition, aiming to strengthen cooperation between institutions and businesses from both countries. On the Vietnamese side, Nguyen Hoang Long, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, highlighted the investment opportunities for Italian companies and the need for their contribution in terms of technology and know-how.
Paolo Lombardo, Director of International Cooperation and Development Finance at CDP, underscored CDP’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s energy transition through Italian financial instruments and multilateral collaborations. He stressed that the goal is not only to bring investment capital to Vietnam but also to implement effective and sustainable projects, contributing to both economic development and environmental protection.
In this regard, and responding to the MoIT’s request for a concrete commitment, Lombardo announced the presentation of a proposal for a pilot medium-enthalpy geothermal plant under the JETP, developed in collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
Following this announcement, a roundtable was held with institutions and Italian companies active in the energy sector.
In her concluding remarks, Margherita Lulli, Head of the AICS Office in Hanoi, highlighted AICS’s contribution to the JETP process, emphasizing the role of Italian cooperation in promoting sustainable and inclusive solutions for Vietnam’s energy transition.
Specifically, within the JETP framework, she presented an initiative focused on medium-enthalpy geothermal development, a sector in which Italy has long-standing, internationally recognized expertise.
Geothermal energy currently represents a strategic opportunity to diversify Vietnam’s energy mix, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create local value chains.
Unlike variable renewable sources such as wind and solar, geothermal power provides stable and predictable production, which further enhances its importance in meeting JETP goals.
The proposed initiative reflects AICS’s broader commitment to strengthening energy and climate resilience in communities, following an approach that integrates technological innovation, human capital development and training, and a focus on the social impacts of the energy transition.
Looking ahead, AICS Hanoi will continue to support Vietnamese authorities and Italian stakeholders, promoting synergies between institutions, businesses, and local communities, with the aim of making bilateral cooperation in the energy sector a concrete example of a just and sustainable partnership.