Hanoi, June 26, 2025 – Amid a strong energy transition and Viet Nam’s efforts to fulfill its commitments toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the research and deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), along with their integration with renewable energy solutions, have become an urgent necessity.

Since the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with Viet Nam was announced in December 2022, Viet Nam has responded timely by setting up the JETP Secretariat and specialized working groups, and developed the Resource Mobilization Plan (JETP RMP), which outlines key policies and a list of priority projects to realize the country’s energy transition roadmap. In this process, investing in the development of energy storage systems acts as a foundation in addressing the intermittency of renewable energy, enhancing system flexibility, improving the reliability and resilience of the power grid, supporting the development of a smart transmission network, and ensuring national energy security. Establishing national standards and regulations for BESS is crucial for reducing technical and financial risks and creating a clear legal framework to attract both domestic and international investment in Vietnam’s energy transition projects in general, and JETP projects in particular.

With the aim of strengthening the development of national standards in this field, as well as raising awareness and enhancing international cooperation, the Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Viet Nam (STAMEQ), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organizes the workshop titled “Sharing Experiences on Standards, Regulations, and Management of Battery Energy Storage Systems.” The workshop was supported by the UK Government’s Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) programme. 

The event brings together leading experts from the United States, South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Viet Nam, along with representatives from regulatory agencies, businesses, research institutes, and international organizations working in the fields of standards and energy. The workshop aims to promote the harmonization of national standards with international practices, while also strengthening Viet Nam’s capacity in the development, testing, and certification of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Opening the workshop, Mr. Ha Minh Hiep – Chairman of the Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ) – emphasized: “This workshop holds special significance as Viet Nam is implementing its commitment to a just energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In this process, energy storage systems are not only a technological solution but also an essential component to ensure power system stability, optimize renewable energy sources, and enhance backup capacity in increasingly unpredictable climate conditions. To deploy BESS safely, effectively, and at scale, a suitable system of standards, technical regulations, and management mechanisms is required.”

Ms. Anna Gibson – Climate Counsellor, British Embassy Hanoi – emphasized: “Developing standards for energy storage systems is crucial to ensure safety and reliability, promote technical consistency and quality assurance, align with international practices, support financial mobilization, and build investor confidence, while also enabling effective integration into the power grid.”

Representing UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), Mr. Kolin Low shared insights on international standards related to the safety and installation of BESS, along with widely adopted technical practices. The Institute of Energy (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) presented Viet Nam’s policy directions, highlighting the role of energy storage in demand response and improving the operational efficiency of the power system.

From China, Mr. Liang Tang – Deputy Secretary-General of the China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA) – highlighted technical regulations and international cooperation strategies aimed at building a sustainable BESS ecosystem. A representative from Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) also shared practical experiences in applying storage systems within the national power grid, contributing to greater flexibility and adaptability in response to the increasing share of renewable energy.

Mr. Kim Taemin – Senior Researcher at the Korea Testing Certification Institute (KTC) – introduced the BESS certification program in South Korea, highlighting its strict technical requirements and inspection procedures. In addition, a representative from VSQI presented the current national standards system for the energy storage sector and shared plans for its future improvement and expansion.

From the perspective of enterprises, Mr. Vo Le Duy Duc – Director of the Key Accounts Division at VINENERGO Energy Joint Stock Company – emphasized that the domestic development of BESS could help reduce import costs, enhance technological self-sufficiency, and promote the local supply chain. Meanwhile, Mr. Victor Ho – Council Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers, Singapore – shared practical experience in developing technical regulations and ensuring safety in Singapore and Malaysia.

Another highlight came from POEN Company, which introduced technology for the remanufacturing and reuse of batteries from electric vehicles (EVs), opening up opportunities to promote a circular economy and reduce electronic waste in Viet Nam.

Closing the workshop, Mr. Patrick Haverman – Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam – praised the quality of the presentations and the will to collaborate among stakeholders. “Today’s workshop has demonstrated the tremendous potential of energy storage systems in supporting a just energy transition, while also outlining concrete steps to turn ambition into action. We have shared international experiences, discussed technical challenges, and gained a deeper understanding of the role of standards in ensuring that BESS can be deployed safely, efficiently, and at scale,” he said. “UNDP is honored to partner with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Commission for Standards, Metrology and Quality, and other partners under the JETP framework to develop national standards—an essential foundation to drive investment and build market confidence. Removing technical barriers and creating an enabling environment will be key to enhancing energy storage capacity in line with the objectives of Viet Nam’s Power Development Plan 8.”

Through the workshop, the Viet Nam Institute of Standards and Quality and UNDP hope to further expand cooperation with stakeholders in the fields of standards and energy — from regulation development, testing, and certification to domestic manufacturing and effective integration into the national power grid. This serves as a practical foundation contributing to the realization of Viet Nam’s goals for green, just and sustainable development.

For media inquiries, please contact:   
Phan Huong Giang   
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change, Energy and Environment 
United Nations Development Programme
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org  
Mob: 0948466688