HUST partners with Imperial College London to achieve Net Zero Objectives

The pursuit of a green energy transition, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions, has become a cornerstone of development policies worldwide, and Vietnam is no exception. Since the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) in 2021, the Government of Vietnam has taken significant efforts by issuing the National Strategy on Green Growth, which commits to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, Vietnam has actively engaged in the "Just Energy Transition Partnership" alongside the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, and seven other developed nations to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels while fostering the development of green energy sources.

This is the first time the “UK-Vietnam International workshop on the net zero pollution transition” is organized in Vietnam. This workshop, co-organized by Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Imperial College of London, with the support of British Council, is another successful project between HUST and the UK partners, especially in the field of environmental sustainability and development. The workshop provides an opportunity to create a platform that connects academics in UK/Vietnam top universities with leaders in industry, policymaking and professional associations to discuss pressing issues in pollution, renewable energies, energy storage and circular economy. By bringing together scientists, leaders in industry and civil society, the workshop not only focuses on discussing the key underpinning science and technologies but also aims to facilitate collaborations and find solutions to the grand challenges related to the climate change in Vietnam and UK.

During the conference, Associate Professor Huynh Quyet Thang, President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, highlighted the significance of collaboration with Imperial College London, a seasoned partner in green development research. He emphasized, "With robust collaboration between our institutions, I anticipate the conference will yield substantial outcomes and foster strong partnerships to drive the green, NET ZERO transition in Vietnam". Prof. Thang also stressed that Hanoi University of Science and Technology, as the leading technical university in Vietnam, has played a pivotal role in advancing the government's green transformation agenda. Very recently in 2022, the Vietnamese Government upgraded the University’s status, transforming it into a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary research university. Upon this foundation, the School of Life Sciences and Chemistry has been established with robust research groups focusing on different areas of sustainable development, including circular economy, energy transition, and pollution mitigation. 

Professor Mary Ryan, Vice Provost of Imperial College London, expressed, "We deeply appreciate the privilege of being a partner of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Constructing a pollution-free future necessitates collaboration among nations. I am confident that this conference will offer valuable perspectives on a range of issues pertinent to both the UK and Vietnam, while also establishing crucial research inquiries that will contribute to shaping our path towards NET ZERO."

NET ZERO refers to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the lowest possible level, with any remaining emissions absorbed by natural sinks such as forests and oceans. It is imperative to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. Achieving this target requires a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.