A green cooling initiative for net-zero by 2050

As Vietnam undergoes rapid modernisation and urbanisation, the demand for cooling systems - essential for comfort, productivity, and health - has surged. However, this growing demand brings significant environmental challenges. In the business-as-usual scenario, Vietnam’s cooling sector is projected to experience a sharp rise in energy consumption and emissions.

DO MANH TOAN, country programme coordinator for the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership, a programme of the United Nations Office for Project Services

Currently, it consumes more than 25 per cent of the country’s electricity and generates nearly 65 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Without proactive measures, these emissions could increase substantially, jeopardising Vietnam’s ability to meet its climate targets.

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest urbanising nations, with its urbanisation rate reaching 38.1 per cent by 2022 and continuing to grow. This rapid development, along with industrialisation, has driven unprecedented demand for cooling. Residential and commercial air conditioning, alongside refrigeration systems, are expanding due to improved living standards, and industrial growth.

The industrial cooling sector, especially in food processing, cold storage, and pharmaceutical refrigeration, is becoming a crucial part of Vietnam’s economic infrastructure. However, conventional air conditioning and refrigeration systems are highly energy-intensive and rely on refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). In 2022 alone, the sector produced over 64.7 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions, with 84 per cent stemming from indirect energy use.

Under the business-as-usual scenario, emissions could soar to nearly 92 million tonnes by 2030, making it increasingly difficult for Vietnam to fulfill its climate commitments, including those made under the Paris Agreement. On the other hand, energy consumption for cooling is expected to triple by 2050, mainly driven by the residential and commercial sectors.

Cooling systems are not just about comfort; they play a critical role in the safety and operation of industries that depend on temperature control, such as high-tech manufacturing and food preservation. As the economy continues to transition towards digitalisation and smart manufacturing, the demand for these controlled environments will only increase. Without proper interventions, this surge in demand will significantly strain Vietnam’s energy infrastructure and exacerbate its environmental challenges.

The growing need for cooling is further compounded by the use of ozone-depleting substances and high-GWP refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs have replaced hydrochlorofluorocarbons in many systems, they are potent greenhouse gases with global warming potentials thousands of times greater than CO₂.

Vietnam’s continued use of HFCs presents a major threat to its climate goals. Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, Vietnam has committed to reducing HFC consumption, with an ambitious target of cutting emissions by 80 per cent by 2045.

EFFORTS FOR AN ACTION PLAN

Reducing reliance on ozone-depleting substances and HFCs is vital to mitigating the environmental impact of the cooling sector. The National Green Cooling Action Plan (NGCAP) emphasises the transition to natural refrigerants, such as ammonia and propane, which have significantly lowered GWP. These refrigerants are not only more environmentally friendly but also more energy-efficient, reducing both direct and indirect emissions from cooling systems.

By phasing out high-GWP refrigerants and adopting sustainable alternatives, Vietnam can make significant progress in lowering the climate impact of its cooling sector.

To tackle these pressing environmental challenges, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is leading an effort to develop the NGCAP, aiming at reducing emissions by promoting energy-efficient cooling technologies and sustainable practices. This initiative is central to helping the country meet its international climate obligations and progress towards its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

In 2023, the ministry’s Department of Climate Change initiated a collaboration with the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership, a programme of the United Nations Office for Project Services, and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific.

Under this, a comprehensive NGCAP is expected to be developed based on funded studies, focusing on active cooling and a passive programme. This partnership focuses on leveraging international experiences and adapting them to Vietnam’s context to shape the NGCAP and promote sustainable cooling practices.

The NGCAP is a cornerstone of Vietnam’s strategy to reduce emissions in the sector. As being discussed, it aims to cut energy consumption by up to 62 terawatt hours by 2050, making a significant contribution to the country’s climate goals. A key component of this plan is the transition to low-GWP refrigerants like ammonia and propane, which have a far smaller environmental impact compared to HFCs.

The NGCAP also focuses on promoting energy-efficient air conditioners, refrigerators, and industrial cooling systems to lower energy demand. One of its main goals is to enhance the energy efficiency of cooling equipment by setting minimum energy performance standards, aiming for a 50 per cent improvement in air conditioner efficiency by 2050, with a potential for up to 80 per cent through best-available technologies.

Additionally, the plan emphasises proper refrigerant management and disposal to prevent emissions from leaks or improper handling. Establishing robust recycling and disposal systems will help minimise the environmental footprint of cooling devices, while technician training initiatives ensure safe refrigerant handling and maximum system efficiency.

The NGCAP is crucial for Vietnam to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. The country is committed to reducing emissions by 15.8 per cent by 2030, with the potential to achieve a 43.5 per cent reduction with international support. Energy efficiency improvements in the cooling sector alone can cut emissions by over 9 per cent by 2030.

Strengthening minimum energy performance standards for both residential and commercial cooling systems is a key aspect of this strategy, ensuring a significant increase in energy efficiency. Additionally, phasing out HFCs will further help Vietnam reduce emissions from these high-GWP refrigerants. These measures together will play a pivotal role in Vietnam’s broader efforts to curb emissions.

A green cooling initiative for net-zero by 2050

THE BENEFITS OF COOLING

At the COP28 climate summit last year, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable cooling by joining the Global Cooling Pledge, alongside 63 other nations. This pledge binds signatories to reduce cooling-related emissions by 68 per cent by 2050, further solidifying Vietnam’s leadership in green cooling.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is ambitious but attainable through programmes like the NGCAP. By reducing emissions from the cooling sector, which is expected to peak around 2045 under the business-as-usual scenario, the NGCAP will be crucial to the country’s transition towards sustainability. Furthermore, the scheme will help reduce Vietnam’s dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.

The benefits of Vietnam’s green cooling initiative go beyond its borders. As one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, Vietnam’s success in reducing cooling-related emissions could serve as a model for other developing nations grappling with similar challenges. By adopting sustainable cooling technologies, Vietnam is also contributing to global efforts to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement.

On the domestic front, the NGCAP will strengthen energy security, reduce air pollution, and lower electricity costs for both households and businesses. It will also boost Vietnam’s resilience to climate change impacts, such as rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, by making cooling solutions more accessible and affordable, especially for vulnerable communities. In line with this, the NGCAP highlights the need for equitable access to cooling technologies.

In rural and low-income areas, access to efficient cooling systems is often limited, increasing vulnerability to extreme heat and other climate-related risks. The plan aims to address these disparities by promoting affordable, energy-efficient cooling solutions that can benefit all segments of society. This initiative will improve public health and enhance productivity and strengthen the country’s overall resilience to climate change.

Vietnam’s NGCAP will represent a significant advancement in the country’s climate action plan. By embracing green cooling technologies, Vietnam is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting an example for sustainable development in the region.

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