Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF) has successfully organized the first pilot training course to launch its new training programme: "Solid Biofuels: Technology, Sustainability and Market". The two-day event (03–04 August 2026) marks a major step forward in the roadmap to formally integrate this content into the university's curriculum.

This activity is conducted under the framework of the initiative "Capacity Development for Key Actors in the Solid Biofuels Value Chain in Vietnam" implemented by VNUF, with technical support from the EU–Vietnam Sustainable Energy Transition Facility (EVSET) under the EU–Vietnam Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (SETP) funded by the European Union (EU).

Participation of Senior Leaders and Strategic Partners

The training course was honored to welcome Ms. Kristina Bünde, First Counsellor, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Viet Nam, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa, Vice President of VNUF. The event brought together 25 VNUF students, core lecturing staff, international experts from the EVSET Facility, and lecturers from partner universities in Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), and Thai Nguyen University of Sciences (TNUS).

Ms. Kristina Bünde, First Counsellor, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Viet Nam, speaking at the training course.

Innovating Teaching Methods and Enhancing Academic Quality

The training programme provided students with core knowledge on:

- An overview and the role of solid biofuels in the energy transition.

- Production technologies, quality standards, and market requirements.

- Sustainability principles across the entire value chain.

Throughout the course, VNUF's core lecturers - who had completed the Briefing of Trainers (BoT) programme - directly delivered the lectures under the observation and mentorship of EVSET experts. Direct professional exchanges in the classroom helped enhance modern pedagogical approaches and optimize knowledge transfer.

In addition, lecturers from partner universities contributed specialized, highly practical topics, such as: the application of biomass in co-firing with coal in thermal power plants to reduce emissions; the potential of biochar in organic agriculture and soil improvement; as well as the impact of biomass feedstocks on product quality. This collaboration not only enriched the training content but also laid the foundation for establishing a Trainer Network on Solid Biofuels in Vietnam.

Ms. Kristina Bünde and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa presenting certificates of completion to the participants.

Scaling-up Roadmap and Strategic Vision

The training course in Hanoi is the first step in a series of three pilot courses. The next two courses will be conducted at VNUF campuses in Dong Nai and Gia Lai to test the curriculum's adaptability across different educational settings. Upon completion, EVSET experts will consolidate feedback from lecturers and students to finalize a standardized set of course materials, serving as the foundation for replication across six partner universities nationwide.

Vietnam possesses vast potential in forestry residues, wood processing by-products, and agricultural residues. As the country works towards its commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, VNUF's pioneering effort to develop and integrate the Solid Biofuels programme into its teaching is a significant milestone. This initiative not only enhances higher education capacity and develops high-quality human resources for the bioenergy sector, but also builds strong linkages between academia, scientific research, and industry needs in the era of green development.

Highlights from the Pilot Training Course

Mr. Le Chi Hieu, EVSET Project Key Expert, presenting the components and objectives of the project.

The organizing committee, experts, lecturers, and students taking a commemorative group photo at the event.