Minister Dang Quoc Khanh received and worked with EREX Group Chairman Honna Hitoshi and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki

Minister Đặng Quốc Khánh highlighted that Vietnam is undergoing an energy transition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring energy security. Erex is recognized as a leading electricity producer and supplier based in Japan, pioneering the use of biomass fuel in its power plants.

Erex has significant experience in converting coal-fired power plants to biomass power plants in Japan, including initiatives such as co-firing biomass with coal to meet rising electricity demands. Minister Dang Quoc Khanh expressed hope that Erex could share its experiences to assist Vietnam in its transition process.

EREX Chairman Honna Hitoshi noted Vietnam's substantial potential for developing clean energy, particularly through forest development, aligning with the company's goals. Erex’s plants utilize agricultural and forestry products to produce clean, environmentally friendly energy. Currently, Erex has proposed 14 biomass power plant projects in various provinces, aiming to contribute to the international commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and stabilize the power supply for other socio-economic activities.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh emphasized that the proposals and projects should create jobs, ensure local livelihoods, and maintain sustainability and credibility for both the state and enterprises.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh presented souvenirs to the Japanese Ambassador and EREX Group Chairman

Additionally, Vietnam has joined the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) initiative, launched by the Japanese Prime Minister. Minister Đặng Quốc Khánh believes that Erex’s experience can help promote the implementation of the AZEC initiative in Vietnam.

Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki mentioned that Japanese companies have a strong foundation in experience and technology for carbon emission reduction. In addition to Erex, many Japanese enterprises are eager to collaborate with Vietnam to support carbon reduction and share policies on carbon credit management. Ambassador Ito Naoki affirmed that the Japanese Embassy would act as a bridge to support this growing cooperation.

During the meeting, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh, Ambassador Ito Naoki, and EREX Chairman Honna Hitoshi also discussed the implementation of the upcoming session of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Committee on the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). Currently, Vietnam and Japan are cooperating on the JCM, which is seen as a mechanism to realize the Paris Agreement with significant potential to become a global framework involving an increasing number of participating countries. Through this meeting, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Japanese Embassy, and Erex Group hope to further deepen Vietnam-Japan relations, particularly in natural resources and environmental sectors.

Ngoc Huyen (NRE Newspaper)