27 February 2024 | Minh Phuong Nguyen, Tatiana Ponomarenko, Nga Nguyen
Vietnam is undergoing a significant energy transition, driven by the need to shift from coal to renewable energy sources to meet rising electricity demand and achieve sustainable development goals. The country's electricity demand is projected to reach 124 thousand MW by 2030, making it the second-largest in Southeast Asia. However, coal is not a viable long-term solution due to its high carbon emissions and limited domestic reserves. The government is investing in renewable energy, including solar, wind, biomass, and hydrogen, as well as energy storage technologies, to reduce reliance on coal and improve energy security and environmental sustainability.
Vietnam's energy mix in 2023 included 43% coal, 29% hydropower, and smaller shares from other sources. Coal is the largest contributor to the energy mix, but its use is declining due to environmental concerns and the increasing availability of renewable energy. Natural gas is being considered as a transitional fuel, while hydropower remains a significant source of renewable energy. Solar and wind energy are also growing, with Vietnam having substantial potential for solar and wind power.
The energy transition in Vietnam is influenced by factors such as economic growth, the availability of renewable energy resources, and the need to meet international climate commitments. The government is promoting renewable energy through policies and funding, including the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP), which support the shift from coal to clean energy. The transition is expected to be accelerated by technological advancements and increased investment in renewable energy, with a focus on solar, wind, and biomass.
Vietnam's energy sector faces challenges, including the need to balance energy security, equity, and environmental sustainability. The country is working to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all. The transition to renewable energy is seen as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development goals and reducing the country's carbon footprint. The government is prioritizing the development of renewable energy sources and is investing in new technologies to support this transition. The energy sector is expected to undergo significant changes between 2023 and 2050, with a focus on reducing coal use and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.Vietnam is undergoing a significant energy transition, driven by the need to shift from coal to renewable energy sources to meet rising electricity demand and achieve sustainable development goals. The country's electricity demand is projected to reach 124 thousand MW by 2030, making it the second-largest in Southeast Asia. However, coal is not a viable long-term solution due to its high carbon emissions and limited domestic reserves. The government is investing in renewable energy, including solar, wind, biomass, and hydrogen, as well as energy storage technologies, to reduce reliance on coal and improve energy security and environmental sustainability.
Vietnam's energy mix in 2023 included 43% coal, 29% hydropower, and smaller shares from other sources. Coal is the largest contributor to the energy mix, but its use is declining due to environmental concerns and the increasing availability of renewable energy. Natural gas is being considered as a transitional fuel, while hydropower remains a significant source of renewable energy. Solar and wind energy are also growing, with Vietnam having substantial potential for solar and wind power.
The energy transition in Vietnam is influenced by factors such as economic growth, the availability of renewable energy resources, and the need to meet international climate commitments. The government is promoting renewable energy through policies and funding, including the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP), which support the shift from coal to clean energy. The transition is expected to be accelerated by technological advancements and increased investment in renewable energy, with a focus on solar, wind, and biomass.
Vietnam's energy sector faces challenges, including the need to balance energy security, equity, and environmental sustainability. The country is working to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all. The transition to renewable energy is seen as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development goals and reducing the country's carbon footprint. The government is prioritizing the development of renewable energy sources and is investing in new technologies to support this transition. The energy sector is expected to undergo significant changes between 2023 and 2050, with a focus on reducing coal use and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.