Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) launched the NetZero Science and Technology Programme during a scientific seminar held in Hanoi on December 12. This initiative is designed to create breakthrough technological solutions aimed at achieving the country’s ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The programme reflects Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable development, offering a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fostering green technologies. It targets various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and transportation, with an emphasis on adopting green transition and circular economy principles.
Vietnam’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 is part of its commitment to the global fight against climate change, as outlined during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in the UK in 2021. The NetZero Science and Technology Programme will play a crucial role in realizing this objective by promoting research, technological development, and the implementation of sustainable solutions that can significantly reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.
At the core of the programme is the idea of integrating scientific innovation with practical applications to accelerate the green transition. This includes the adoption of new technologies in carbon capture and storage, greenhouse gas emission reduction, clean energy, and resource recycling. By fostering the development of these cutting-edge technologies, the programme aims to help Vietnam not only meet its international climate commitments but also enhance its environmental sustainability, improve air quality, and protect biodiversity.
Key objectives
The programme has three main objectives. The first is to provide scientific and practical support for refining national policies, mechanisms, standards and solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management related to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions in Vietnam.
The second focuses on proposing models for developing a green, circular and low-carbon economy as well as human resources to achieve the NetZero goal.
The third goal is centered around research and the application of advanced technologies in fields such as carbon capture and storage, greenhouse gas reduction, and the development of clean, circular technologies. The programme also emphasises technological innovation and the transfer of these solutions across industries to manage emissions and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Joint effort for sustainability
The programme is expected to generate breakthrough solutions in areas like carbon capture and storage technology, greenhouse gas reduction technology, green and circular technologies, as well as management and technical solutions aimed at reducing emissions, moving toward green transformation, and a circular economy in Vietnam. This will contribute to a significant reduction in national emissions, improved environmental quality, and biodiversity protection; promote technological development, innovation, job creation in the green tech sector, and improve competitiveness, contributing to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in Vietnam.
Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat emphasised that the NetZero programme will foster technological development, innovation, and job creation in the green tech sector, as well as improve competitiveness and promote green growth and sustainable development in Vietnam.
The programme is a testament to Vietnam's strong determination to make science and technology a cornerstone in creating technological solutions, management mechanisms, and policies that promote green growth models in the country, with the joint effort of the business community and scientists and technology experts, he added.
At the event, the MoST called on the business community, scientific and technological organizations, and experts to propose scientific and technological tasks within the framework of the programme to the ministry by January 10, 2025 (Round 1) to begin implementing these tasks in 2025./.
