Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating the shift towards renewable energy sources
Vietnam is charting a course towards a greener and more competitive energy sector, with a focus on expanding renewable energy capacity, applying digital technology, and enacting institutional reforms. This strategic shift aims to position the country as a leader in the global energy transition, aligning with net-zero targets by 2050.
Renewable Energy Expansion
Vietnam's energy transition strategy prioritizes the scaling up of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass. The country aims to significantly increase its renewable capacity, with a target of 30% of electricity coming from renewables by 2025. This ambitious goal includes 16 GW of solar power, 14 GW of which will be ground-mounted, and 2 GW of rooftop installations.
The revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) sets even more ambitious goals for offshore wind power capacity, aiming to reach between 6,000 and 17,000 MW by 2030-35, and solar capacity to hit 46,000-73,000 MW by 2030, with further growth expected by 2050. The overall renewable share (excluding large hydropower) is expected to rise from 28–36% of installed capacity by 2030 to about 74–75% by 2050.
Application of Digital Technology
Digital solutions, including AI-driven smart grid management and demand response systems, are being emphasized to optimize renewable integration, improve grid reliability, and enable efficient energy use. These technologies will support the scaling up of distributed generation sources like rooftop solar and enhance grid connectivity, which is critical for absorbing intermittent renewables.
Institutional Reforms and Policy Improvements
To stimulate investment and competitiveness in renewables, improvements in policies on electricity pricing, green finance mechanisms, and market-oriented power purchase models are being prioritized. Legislative changes, such as the revised Law on Electricity (2024), Law on Atomic Energy (2025), and laws on energy efficiency and innovation, provide legal foundations for clean energy development.
The government is also building a comprehensive energy ecosystem, including human resource development and support for domestic renewable energy industries. This focus extends to technological innovation in green hydrogen, energy storage, carbon capture, and recycling.
A Sustainable and Resilient Energy System
The energy technology forum held in Hanoi on Tuesday emphasized the need to build a complete energy industry ecosystem, including human resources and support for domestic enterprises. The event, titled 'Energy technology in the new era - essential foundation for rapid and low-carbon growth', brought together more than 150 delegates from various sectors to discuss policy and legal frameworks, scientific and technological solutions for energy development, and how to apply new technologies, remove institutional barriers, and mobilize resources for the energy transition.
Vietnam is undergoing rapid change amid Industry 4.0 and facing global challenges such as pollution, climate change, energy insecurity, and resource depletion. The country's electricity demand is growing rapidly and is expected to increase by 8-10 per cent per year over the next decade. With its growing urbanization and industrialization, Vietnam is highly vulnerable to climate change, with estimated losses of up to 3.2 per cent of GDP annually.
To seize opportunities and build a sustainable and resilient energy system, policies are needed to promote technology transfer, research, and innovation, especially by connecting scientists, universities, and enterprises. The National Assembly has passed several laws and amendments related to energy transition, including the revised Law on Electricity (2024), the Law on Atomic Energy (2025), the revised Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy (2025) and the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation (2025).
Resolution No 55-NQ/TW, issued in 2020, sets out the national energy development strategy through 2030, with a vision to 2045. This strategic roadmap emphasizes the development of domestic renewable energy industries, particularly wind, solar, and biomass.
Dr Phan Xuân Dũng, a renowned scientist, highlighted the importance of science and technology in addressing energy challenges and promoting socio-economic development. Dr Thi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, spoke at the event, emphasizing the need to build a complete energy industry ecosystem, including human resources and support for domestic enterprises. Đào Quang Bính, the forum's organizer, stated that the event aimed to share experiences and seek feasible solutions for a sustainable and resilient energy system.
In addition to these efforts, research and development of future energy technologies such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, energy storage, carbon capture and storage, and carbon recycling were suggested. These technologies will play a crucial role in Vietnam's energy transition, helping the country to achieve its net-zero targets while ensuring energy security and promoting economic growth.
- To expand its renewable energy capacity, Vietnam aims to significantly increase its renewable capacity, with a target of 30% of electricity coming from renewables by 2025.
- The revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) sets ambitious goals for offshore wind power capacity, aiming to reach between 6,000 and 17,000 MW by 2030-35.
- Digitally driven smart grid management and demand response systems are being emphasized to optimize renewable integration and improve grid reliability.
- Legislative changes, such as the revised Law on Electricity (2024), and the Law on Atomic Energy (2025), provide legal foundations for clean energy development in Vietnam.
- The government is building a comprehensive energy ecosystem, including human resource development and support for domestic renewable energy industries.
- The country must address global challenges such as pollution, climate change, energy insecurity, and resource depletion in order to build a sustainable and resilient energy system.
- To promote technology transfer, research, and innovation, policies are needed to connect scientists, universities, and enterprises in Vietnam.
- In addition to current efforts, future energy technologies such as green hydrogen and carbon capture and storage will play a crucial role in Vietnam's energy transition, helping the country achieve its net-zero targets while ensuring energy security and promoting economic growth.
