Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien announced that the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII) has successfully addressed the imbalance in regional grid connections and optimized power transmission lines. The plan ensures sufficient domestic electricity supply, supports direct power purchase programs, and prepares for future electricity exports under commercial contracts.
Enhancing Energy Planning to Match Economic Growth
Table of Contents
At the first meeting of the Government’s Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and the National Project 06 held on March 18, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien reported that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has actively coordinated with ministries, agencies, and localities to implement and revise multiple aspects of power development in line with the country’s double-digit growth scenario for 2026–2030.
“The adjusted PDP VIII now meets domestic electricity demand and is ready for contractual exports in the future,” the Minister emphasized.
Renewable Energy Takes the Lead
Vietnam’s total installed power capacity is now estimated at 236,000 MW, comprising:
-
Coal-fired power: 14%
-
Gas-fired power: 15%
-
Hydropower: 34,000 MW (15%)
-
Renewable energy: 122,400 MW, accounting for 51.15%
Compared with the original PDP VIII, the revised plan features a significantly higher share of renewables, reflecting Vietnam’s alignment with global energy transition trends. The adjustments were based on the principle of maximizing domestic resources, including coal, natural gas, and renewable energy, while ensuring national energy security.
Strengthening Transmission and Export Capability
The updated plan has eliminated regional grid imbalances and optimized inter-regional transmission systems. These improvements support domestic power demand, facilitate direct power purchase agreements (DPPA), and lay the groundwork for electricity exports in the coming years.
Minister Nguyen Hong Dien noted that maximizing renewable and domestic energy sources will play a crucial role in national socio-economic growth and provide a foundation for the development of data centers, including sectoral, regional, and centralized data infrastructures.
Key Recommendations for Implementation
To achieve the plan’s targets, the Minister proposed several key measures:
-
Local Authorities: Provinces and cities should promptly support investors and ensure that on-site projects are implemented and connected according to schedule.
-
Relevant Agencies: Ministries and departments should proactively assist in resolving administrative and procedural obstacles for ongoing energy projects.
-
Vietnam Electricity (EVN): Accelerate the completion of transmission projects, particularly inter-regional lines, and finalize power purchase negotiations with independent power producers to mobilize additional supply.
In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade urged Hanoi authorities to expedite land allocation for the National Load Dispatch Center’s new operations hub, to meet the growing electricity demand expected in the coming years.