Tiếng ViệtVietnam is gradually transforming itself in the renewable energy sector to meet sustainable development goals and international commitments. This is clearly stated in the Constitution 2013, Clause 2, Article 63, when the State encourages the development and use of new and renewable energy. Over the past 10 years, a series of policies and legal regulations have been issued to promote this sector, especially in the context of implementing the commitment at the COP26 Conference on the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
However, it was only when the Politburo issued Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW dated February 11, 2020 on the national energy development strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, that the issue of renewable energy was properly focused. Resolution 55 sets out the direction for synchronous, reasonable and diversified development of energy types, prioritizing the effective exploitation of renewable energy sources. According to the set target, the proportion of renewable energy in the total primary energy supply needs to reach 15-20% by 2030 and increase to 25-30% by 2045.
Achievements and challenges in renewable energy development
After four years of implementing Resolution 55, Vietnam has made significant progress in perfecting the legal framework for renewable energy development. The Government has approved many important decisions such as the National Energy Master Plan (Decision 893/QD-TTg dated July 26, 2023) and the National Power Development Plan (Decision 500/QD-TTg dated May 15, 2023). As a result, solar and wind power have developed rapidly, contributing significantly to the national energy structure.
According to the Vietnam Energy Outlook Report – Road to Net Zero Emissions (June 2024), the total wind power capacity mobilized from 2020 to 2023 increased from 538 MW to 5,059 MW, while solar power capacity increased from 8,823 MW to 16,568 MW. In addition, there are 23 biomass power projects with a total capacity of 523 MW. The total renewable energy capacity in the national power system increased from 15.6% to 27.1%, making Vietnam the country with the largest power system scale in ASEAN.
Despite positive results, the implementation of Resolution 55 still has many limitations. The planning, investment management and exploitation of wind and solar power projects are not synchronized, the transmission infrastructure cannot keep up with the growth rate of capacity, causing grid congestion. In addition, domestic technological capacity is limited, lacking technical infrastructure and maintenance and repair services.
To remove barriers and take advantage of development opportunities, experts say it is urgent to develop a Law on Renewable Energy Development to create a stable and strong legal corridor to attract investment. Promoting the development of transmission infrastructure and increasing the localization of wind and solar power equipment manufacturing technology are also important factors to enhance autonomy in the energy sector.
To achieve the set goals, Vietnam needs to continue to improve its policy mechanisms. Only with drastic and synchronous steps can renewable energy truly become an important driving force for Vietnam’s sustainable economy.