On the ground in Vietnam
Securing renewable energy at industrial scale is no small task. For Syre’s newest team member Trang Dang, it is the day job. As Energy Lead based in Vietnam, she is helping build the foundation that will power Syre's first large-scale textile-to-textile recycling plant in Gia Lai. We sat down with her to hear what brought her to Syre, why Vietnam is at the center of the energy transition – and what it actually takes to industrialize on the ground.
You've worked in sustainability and energy across several industries before. Tell us about your background and what brought you to Syre.
"I have more than fifteen years' experience in utility process design, engineering coordination and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) project management – from concept design through detailed engineering, procurement, installation, testing and commissioning, all the way to operations and maintenance. I have worked on projects to reach NetZero by 2050 across food and beverage manufacturing at Nestlé Vietnam, and on advanced technology, petrochemical, refinery and oil and gas projects with EPC contractors.
I am passionate about sustainability activities that help make our planet greener through small actions every day. By joining Syre in Vietnam, I have the chance to be part of the pioneering team building our first large scale factory."
Syre is building a first-of-its-kind T2T facility in Gia Lai. What feels most exciting about bringing something like this to life?
"With the first T2T facility in Gia Lai, I am proud of Syre's long term ambition of running a facility of this size on renewable energy. When the plant becomes operational, it will help improve the quality of life of the community in Gia Lai, and contribute to solving the global challenge of textile waste."
One of the reasons Syre chose Vietnam was the opportunities and ambitions around green energy. Vietnam's energy landscape is changing fast – can you give us some insights into this?
"Vietnam's green energy landscape is evolving at exceptional speed. Demand growth is forcing the green energy transition forward, supported by a clear policy direction. The country is now shifting from a renewable boom into the harder challenge of integration – with energy storage and grids as the next frontier, alongside market liberalization and growing corporate clean power demand.
Vietnam is not simply adding renewables; it is re-engineering its energy system to support long-term industrial competitiveness. That is why the pace of change feels so fast – and why Vietnam has become one of the most attractive green energy markets in Southeast Asia."
What are the most important tasks for you to move forward with right now?
"There are two parallel priorities, both about securing green electricity through Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPAs) – contracts that let industrial buyers like Syre source renewable energy directly from a specific producer.
The first is a physical DPPA with a solar farm located right next to Syre's factory, with the green electricity delivered through a direct connection. We are working closely with the Industrial Park to secure as much solar capacity as possible – including battery storage – to cover our daytime energy needs.
The second is a virtual DPPA, a financial agreement that secures green electricity from else where on the grid. This is what will cover our energy needs at night, when the sun isn't shining. Together with other investors, we are working on the Vietnamese regulations to clear the way forward."