The plan aims to effectively implement Decision No. 500/QD-TTg dated May 15, 2023, of the Prime Minister approving the National Power Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (Power Plan VIII).

This forms the basis for developing an effective implementation roadmap for projects/programs that meet the objectives set out in the Power Development Plan VIII, satisfy electricity needs for socio -economic development in each period, and ensure that electricity development is one step ahead.

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The implementation of the Power Development Plan VIII aims for Vietnam's net-zero emissions target by 2050. Photo: Thach Thao

In particular, this will also be a driving force for a strong energy transition from fossil fuels to new and renewable energy sources to reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to achieving the committed goals under Vietnam's Nationally Determined Contribution and its net zero emissions target by 2050.

Specifically, the total domestic gas-fired thermal power capacity is 14,930 MW; the total LNG thermal power capacity is 22,400 MW; the total coal-fired thermal power capacity is 30,127 MW; the total capacity of cogeneration, waste heat, blast furnace gas, and by-products of the technology is 2,700 MW; the total hydropower capacity is 29,346 MW; and the total pumped storage hydropower capacity is 2,400 MW.

The plan also provides figures for the renewable energy power generation capacity of localities/regions and a list of power generation projects up to 2030.

That includes a total offshore wind power capacity of 6,000 MW; a total onshore wind power capacity (onshore and nearshore wind power) of 21,880 MW; a total hydropower capacity of 29,346 MW; a total biomass power capacity of 1,088 MW; a total waste-to-energy power capacity of 1,182 MW; an additional 2,600 MW of rooftop solar power (self-sufficient); and a total battery storage capacity of 300 MW.

This plan also anticipates the development of 300 MW of flexible power sources. Priority will be given to development in areas with potential shortages of reserve capacity, leveraging existing grid infrastructure.

In addition, it is projected that approximately 5,000 MW of electricity will be imported from Laos, potentially increasing to 8,000 MW when conditions are favorable and electricity prices are reasonable, in order to take advantage of Laos' potential for electricity exports. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision on the import policy and the plan for synchronized grid connection for each specific project.

The implementation plan for the Power Development Plan VIII also outlines directions for renewable energy sources to serve exports and new energy production.

The central and southern regions of Vietnam have the potential to export electricity abroad. The export scale is projected to be between 5,000 MW and 10,000 MW when feasible projects are in place. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will report to the competent authorities for consideration and decision on the policy of electricity export and the plan for synchronized grid connection for each specific case, in accordance with the law.

The plan also aims to utilize renewable energy to produce new energy sources (such as green hydrogen and green ammonia) to meet domestic and export needs: prioritizing development in areas with good renewable energy potential and favorable grid infrastructure; the target development scale is 5,000 MW (primarily offshore wind power).

The Ministry of Industry and Trade reports and recommends that the Prime Minister consider and decide on each specific project once its technological feasibility and cost have been fundamentally assessed. The capacity of renewable energy sources for new energy production is not included in the power supply structure for the national power grid.

Implementing the Power Development Plan VIII: Government Pushes for Renewable Energy Mechanisms . In the Plan for Implementing Power Development Plan VIII, the Government requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade to focus intensely and urgently develop and finalize procedures for issuing mechanisms and policies for renewable energy.