Tiếng ViệtThe Deputy Prime Minister recently provided guidance on a series of renewable energy projects under Power Development Plan VIII. Specifically, the Government Office issued Official Document No. 8981/VPCP-CN to the Minister of Industry and Trade, relaying the directives of Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son regarding the issuance, supplementation, and update of the Implementation Plan for the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision extending to 2050.
Challenges in Renewable Energy Planning and Proposed Solutions
Power Development Plan VIII underscores Vietnam’s strategic commitment to an “energy transition”, prioritizing the advancement of renewable energy development while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the construction and investment progress of several major thermal power projects from prior power development plans remain significantly delayed.
Renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power, are central to Power Development Plan VIII. The installed capacity of wind power, currently approximately 4,200 MW, is projected to increase to 27,880 MW by 2030 and 168,550 MW by 2050. This represents a growth of 6.75 times by 2030 and nearly 41 times by 2050 compared to current levels. Similarly, solar power capacity is anticipated to reach 20,591 MW by 2030 and 189,000 MW by 2050. Despite this ambitious growth trajectory, challenges persist. Rapid development in certain projects has resulted in transmission infrastructure congestion, necessitating energy curtailments. Furthermore, several projects lacking construction documentation have been suspended for thorough inspection and review. Consequently, by 2030, self-consumption rooftop solar systems will be permitted to develop an additional 2,600 MW of capacity, contingent upon the completion of reviews and approvals for planned solar projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has provided guidance on various renewable energy projects under Power Development Plan VIII, including solar and wind power systems with battery storage, waste-to-energy, and biomass energy projects. Among these, the proposal of Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee to pilot a 7 MW/7 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) integrated into Ai Tu floating solar project will undergo further review and evaluation as part of the plan’s revision and adjustment process.
Power Development Plan VIII presents a transformative opportunity for Vietnam to modernize its energy system in a sustainable manner. While obstacles remain, the Government is committed to facilitating the expansion of the national power grid, fostering investment in renewable energy, and addressing current issues to ensure national energy security at the most economical cost.