Society

Vietnam saves 463,000 kWh during Earth Hour 2026

Vietnam marked Earth Hour 2026 by saving an estimated 463,000 kWh of electricity, as households and businesses nationwide switched off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on March 28, according to the National System and Market Operation Company (NSMO).

A standout moment of the “Hanoi binh yen” (Peaceful Hanoi) live concert on March 28 comes in the finale, when the entire venue goes dark in unison in support of Earth Hour. (Photo: VNA)
A standout moment of the “Hanoi binh yen” (Peaceful Hanoi) live concert on March 28 comes in the finale, when the entire venue goes dark in unison in support of Earth Hour. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam saved an estimated 463,000 kWh of electricity during Earth Hour 2026, as households and businesses nationwide switched off lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on March 28, according to the National System and Market Operation Company (NSMO).

This year’s campaign went beyond its symbolic one-hour lights-off gesture, forming part of broader efforts to strengthen national energy security in a changing landscape.

Earlier, on February 15, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) issued a directive to promote the campaign under the theme “Green innovation – Green future.” Launched on March 7, the initiative called on authorities, businesses and the public to step up energy-saving practices, adopt new technologies and improve electricity management.

Dang Hai Dung, Deputy Director General of the MoIT’s Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion, said Earth Hour should be sustained through regular, concrete actions rather than limited to a symbolic event.

The ministry urged coordinated efforts across ministries, sectors and localities to enhance energy efficiency. Businesses were encouraged to upgrade technologies, improve production efficiency and treat energy management as a key factor in boosting competitiveness. Individuals were also called on to adopt practical daily habits to help create a wider ripple effect, contributing to energy security and a sustainable green transition.

Michael Kratz, Counsellor for Economic and Climate Foreign Policy at the German Embassy in Vietnam, said Earth Hour activities help raise public awareness and send a strong message on climate action. While noting Vietnam’s progress in the energy sector, he pointed out the country still relies significantly on coal-fired power, posing environmental challenges.

Through initiatives such as the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany is working with Vietnam to support its roadmap toward cutting carbon emissions in the energy sector by 2050.

In 2026, under the “Promoting Energy Transition in Vietnam” (TEV) project, Germany has pledged to continue cooperating with the MoIT and Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to modernise smart grids, ensuring stable integration of renewable energy sources and reliable power supply, particularly during peak summer demand./.

VNA
#Earth Hour 2026 #energy security #electricity
Follow VietnamPlus

Energy security

Climate change

Related News

See more

Khmer people celebrate the New Year at Sro Lon Pagoda, My Xuyen ward, Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA)

PM Le Minh Hung extends Chol Chnam Thmay greetings to Khmer community

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stressed the need for ministries, sectors and localities to fully and promptly implement social welfare policies, improve living conditions, and provide care for policy beneficiaries, disadvantaged households and vulnerable groups, while ensuring that the Khmer community celebrates Chol Chnam Thmay in a spirit of unity, joy, safety and thrift, in line with civilised practices and traditional cultural values.

Participants at the Vietnam–Western Australia Education Dialogue note that there remains ample room to further expand education and training cooperation. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Western Australia deepen substantive education cooperation

Dang Thuy Chi, First Secretary in charge of education at the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia, outlined Vietnam’s strategic directions in education development, highlighting the roadmap for international integration under Decision No. 1600/QD-TTg, which focuses on expanding internationally accredited programmes, strengthening ties with reputable global institutions and promoting two-way student exchanges. S

Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh (Photo: VNA)

Germany eyes stronger labour cooperation with Vietnam

The two sides discussed measures to deepen bilateral cooperation in workforce development and skills training, and enhanced coordination between management agencies of Vietnam and Germany in the time to come.

A ritual involving a procession and offering of sticky rice cakes to the Hung Kings at the Hung Kings Temple Festival in Phu Tho province (Photo: VNA)

Phu Tho makes thorough preparations for Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day

The Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, Hung Kings Temple Festival and Ancestral Land Culture–Tourism Week 2026 will run from April 17–26 (the first to 10th days of the third lunar month) at the Special National Historical Relic Site of Hung Kings Temple and other localities in the province, with the opening ceremony set for 8pm on April 17.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen (standing) speaks at the press conference on April 9. (Photo: VNA)

State President’s amnesty decision in 2026 announced

In 2025 alone, more than 22,000 inmates were granted early release, while political security and social order remained firmly maintained. Most beneficiaries have successfully reintegrated into society, earning public support and international recognition.

Delegates attend the launch ceremony of the 2026 Press Awards on promoting energy efficiency and conservation (Photo: VNA)

Media promotes culture of efficient energy use

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Vietnam Journalists Association, on April 8 launched the 2026 Press Awards on promoting energy efficiency and conservation, aiming to raise public awareness and encourage responsible energy consumption.

A civil servant in Mao Khe ward, Quang Ninh province, guides a resident in submitting notarisation applications via the National Public Service Portal. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh digitises entire administrative process

The effective implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, coupled with strong public engagement, is providing new impetus for Quang Ninh to accelerate administrative reform and advance toward a transparent, modern and sustainable public governance model in the years ahead.

Delegates at the Hanoi ceremony marking Laos' traditional New Year festival Bunpimay (Photo: VNA)

Lao traditional New Year Bunpimay celebrated in Hanoi

The Vietnamese and Lao leaders’ agreement to incorporate the concept of “strategic cohesion” into the bilateral relationship framework marks a historic milestone, reflecting a long-term vision, deep political trust and shared determination to elevate bilateral ties to a new stage of development.

The wrist-tying ritual during Bunpimay is believed to bring peace and good fortune (Photo published by VNA)

Congratulatory message sent to Lao front leader on Bunpimay festival

Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Central Committee, sent a congratulatory letter to Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Politburo member, and President of the Lao Front for National Development’s Central Committee, on the occasion of Laos’ traditional New Year festival Bunpimay (Buddhist Era 2569).