Different ways to reduce energy use

Nguyen Van Tuan used to ride a motorbike, but now he rides a bicycle to work, over 10 km away, for exercise and to save money.

Tuan used to spend VND80,000 on gas per week, but now it's over VND100,000, so he's saving money by biking.

Tuan says biking doesn't take much longer than riding a motorbike and it's better for his health.

Some car owners are also changing their habits to save money on gas and parking, like Duy, who now takes the bus to work.

Duy saves a lot of money by taking the bus and doesn't have to drive in heavy traffic.

Duy says taking the bus is a good choice because he can rest and save money, even if it takes a little longer.

Some companies are also changing, like a bank that lets employees work from home some days to save energy.

The bank says many countries are trying to save energy, so they're letting employees work from home to reduce travel.

A fruit company is also changing by using electric vehicles and solar power to reduce its use of fossil fuels.

The company's leader says this change is a long-term plan, not just a temporary fix.

Solutions that help right away

The global energy market is facing a big challenge due to problems in the Middle East, which is affecting oil prices.

Nguyen Vinh Khuong says countries are trying to secure their energy supply and reduce demand.

Some countries are adopting shorter workweeks or restricting vehicle use to save energy.

Khuong suggests Vietnam consider similar policies, like flexible work hours or standardized air conditioning temperatures.

Khuong says Vietnam needs a long-term energy strategy that focuses on efficiency and electrification.

Khuong believes electrification will bring three main benefits:

First, it reduces dependence on other countries for energy, which can be unstable.

Second, it provides stable costs in the long term, unlike oil prices which can change quickly.

Third, it promotes a transition to green energy, making renewable energy more competitive.

Tran Chung