Approval of the Implementation Plan for the Adjustment of PDP VIII

The Implementation Plan was developed to implement Decision No. 768/QD-TTg, dated April 15, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister, which approved the 8th Power Development Adjustment Plan. The Plan aims to meet electricity demand in line with each stage of socioeconomic development, thereby ensuring the advancement of the electricity sector and laying the groundwork for future growth.

According to the Plan, the timeline for power generation and transmission projects is specifically allocated to each locality. Many projects have clearly defined commissioning years, rather than general timeframes such as "2025–2030". For example: Thai Binh LNG – 2028; Quang Trach II LNG – 2028; Quang Ninh LNG – 2028–2029; Long Phu Thermal Power Plant – 2026; etc. Renewable energy sources are accompanied by synchronized grid connection infrastructure, in line with the respective projects (Appendix II.1).

Total Installed Power Capacity to Increase Significantly:

According to the Plan, by 2030, the total installed capacity is projected as follows: LNG-fired power at 22,524 MW, domestic gas-fired power at 14,930 MW, coal-fired power at 31,055 MW, hydropower at 33,294–34,667 MW, solar power at 46,459–73,416 MW, and onshore wind power at 26,066–38,029 MW.

Offshore wind power serving domestic demand is targeted to reach 6,000 MW by 2030 and increase to 17,032 MW by 2035.

Regarding the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, each is expected to have a capacity of 2,000 to 3,200 MW and is planned to be operational during the 2030–2035 period.

Biomass, Waste-to-Energy, and Industrial Waste Heat Sources Encouraged for Development:

Biomass power is encouraged for development, with a projected total installed capacity ranging from 1,523 to 2,699 MW. Electricity generated from waste and solid waste sources is expected to reach between 1,441 and 2,137 MW.

By 2030, the total installed capacity of energy storage systems (batteries) is projected to reach approximately 10,000–16,300 MW. The development of centralized solar power projects must be accompanied by energy storage systems, with a minimum storage capacity equivalent to 10% of the installed solar capacity and capable of storing energy for at least 2 hours.

Promoting Electricity Imports and Exports:

In addition to the robust development of domestic power sources, the Implementation Plan for the Revised Power Development Plan VIII also clearly outlines strategic directions regarding electricity import and export activities within the ASEAN region and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Accordingly, Vietnam will enhance electricity imports from countries with substantial hydropower potential. By 2030, the total imported capacity from Laos is expected to reach approximately 9,360 to 12,100 MW, based on bilateral cooperation agreements signed between the two governments. Additionally, Vietnam will leverage the potential to import electricity from China, where it is technically feasible and economically reasonable, at an appropriate scale.

If conditions are favorable, particularly regarding transmission connectivity and competitive pricing, the scale of imports from Laos to northern Vietnam may be increased or the timeline accelerated.

Conversely, electricity export has been identified as a new strategic focus in regional economic cooperation. By 2030, Vietnam aims to increase its electricity export capacity to Cambodia to approximately 400 MW.

By 2035, electricity export capacity to potential markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, and other regional partners could reach between 5,000 and 10,000 MW, with a minimum maintained export capacity of 10,000 MW by 2050. This export volume may be adjusted upwards depending on the actual demand of importing countries, based on the principles of ensuring economic efficiency, national energy security, and defense security.

To support electricity export activities and the production of new energy types, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has identified potential regions, including Central and Southern Vietnam, with an export capacity scale ranging from 5,000 MW to 10,000 MW.

The use of renewable energy to produce new energy (such as green hydrogen and green ammonia) for domestic consumption and export is prioritized. Development is focused on areas with strong renewable energy potential and favorable grid infrastructure. The target development scale is approximately 15,000 MW, primarily from offshore wind power sources.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will submit proposals to the competent authorities for approval of electricity export projects on a case-by-case basis, ensuring full compliance with current legal regulations.

Investment in Grid Infrastructure and Electrification of Difficult Areas:

According to the Plan, approximately 911,400 households in 14,676 villages and hamlets across 3,099 communes nationwide will be supplied with electricity either through the national grid or renewable energy sources.

Among them, approximately 160,000 households currently lack electricity, and 751,400 households require grid upgrading across 14,676 villages and hamlets in 3,099 communes. Of these, 1,075 communes (in 43 provinces and cities) are classified as border areas and especially difficult regions. These provinces and cities include Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Bac Giang, Son La, Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, Dak Nong, Dak Lak, Bac Lieu, An Giang, Can Tho, Cao Bang, Lai Chau, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Nghe An, Hue City, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Binh Thuan, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, and Ca Mau. The remaining areas consist of 2,024 communes.

In addition to serving residential needs, the program also targets supplying electricity to 2,478 medium and small-scale pumping stations across 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta region, including Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, An Giang, Kien Giang, Can Tho, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, and Ca Mau, while simultaneously providing electricity to local communities.

Electricity supply from the national grid or renewable energy sources will also be extended to the remaining islands: Con Co Island (Quang Tri Province); Tho Chau, An Son – Nam Du Islands (Kien Giang Province); and the Con Dao archipelago (Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province).

Establishment of Renewable Energy Industrial Hubs:

The Ministry of Industry and Trade proposes the development of two interregional renewable energy industrial and service hubs.

Accordingly, the Northern hub will be located in localities such as Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Thai Binh, with potential for future expansion into neighboring areas. This hub will encompass manufacturing plants for wind and solar power equipment, logistics services, and dedicated seaports to support the construction, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy projects.

In addition, there will be green industrial zones with low carbon emissions, alongside specialized research and training institutions to develop skilled human resources in the clean energy sector.

Similarly, the Southern hub is planned to be located in the Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces, and Ho Chi Minh City, areas with outstanding potential for wind and solar power as well as port infrastructure.

The development model here will be similar to the Northern hub, aiming to build a complete value chain for the renewable energy industry in the Southern region.

Key Responsibilities Assigned to Energy Corporations:

The organization and implementation of the plan are specifically assigned to relevant ministries, local authorities, and key enterprises in the energy sector.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance will coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop electricity pricing policies based on market mechanisms, alongside appropriate financial mechanisms and incentives to support the implementation of the power development plan.

Relevant ministries and agencies are responsible for proactively proposing policies and resolving obstacles. Provincial and municipal People's Committees will update planning, allocate land, manage site clearance, and oversee the progress of power projects.

Regarding the specialized units under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, they will regularly inspect and supervise the implementation progress of power generation and grid projects, propose solutions for delayed projects; closely monitor fuel supply, particularly gas and coal for electricity production, while accelerating the construction of LNG receiving infrastructure; emphasize electricity conservation awareness campaigns and prepare draft amendments to the Law on Efficient and Economical Use of Energy.

Within the corporate sector, the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and stable electricity supply. EVN is responsible for implementing assigned generation and transmission grid projects, reviewing the overall electricity supply-demand balance of the entire system, and closely coordinating with local authorities to resolve land clearance and grid connection issues. The Group is tasked with improving labor productivity, reducing costs, and accelerating management innovation to lower electricity prices. EVN will be held accountable for any project delays that impact electricity supply security.

The Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group will focus on exploring and exploiting new gas fields (such as Block B, Blue Whale, Ken Bau, etc.), as well as developing port infrastructure and gas systems to support LNG imports. Additionally, it will serve as the key coordinator for implementing gas-fired power and offshore wind projects when conditions permit.

The Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Group and the Northeast Corporation hold primary responsibility for ensuring coal supply for electricity generation. Alongside enhancing domestic production capacity, they will implement assigned power projects.

The Implementation Plan for the Revised Power Development Plan VIII was issued just over one month after the approval Decision of the Plan’s adjustment, demonstrating the strong responsibility and efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local authorities to promptly execute the Plan’s objectives, thereby providing additional momentum for investors./.