Insights into Vietnam's decision on implementation plan for revised PDP VIII

The Ministry of Industry and Trade's Decision 1509/QD-BCT is a comprehensive roadmap detailing, among others, prioritized projects, key national power source initiatives, specific timelines for notable energy projects, and responsibilities of competent authorities in relation to the energy sector, write senior partner Anh Dang and associate Linh Dao at Vilaf law firm.

Following the issuance of the Prime Minister's Decision 768/QD-TTg on April 15, 2025 approving the revised National Power Development Plan VIII (revised PDP VIII), the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has taken the initiative, offering the next step forward for Vietnam's transformative energy sector with the issuance of Decision 1509/QD-BCT (Decision 1509 or the revised Implementation Plan).

Similar to the revised PDP VIII, the revised Implementation Plan has maintained its main goal to meet Vietnam’s growing electricity demands, with a sustainable and affordable energy future in mind.

Decision 1509 serves as a comprehensive roadmap detailing, among others, prioritized projects, key national power source initiatives, specific timelines for notable energy projects and responsibilities of competent authorities in relation to the energy sector.

By providing clear directives, the revised Implementation Plan acts as a pivotal element in rendering the revised PDP VIII’s ambitious goal into tangible actions. Specifically, below are several key directions for the development of the energy sector in Vietnam as set forth by the revised Implementation Plan:

- It opens up significant opportunities for investment in the energy sector in Vietnam, including the development of power projects, battery energy storagesystems (BESS), and other related initiatives;

- It further solidifies the balanced approach to the energy trilemma, sustaining the country’s energy security and affordability, while promoting and gradually switching to renewable adn new energy types – ensuring Vietnam’s Net Zero goals by 2050.

- The relevant legal regulations have been amended or are under review and revision to establish a more comprehensive legal framework for the energy sector in Vietnam. Detailed regulations and the relevant implementation plans are stipulated in Schedule I, Table 1, attached to Decision 1509.

- Total investment of power sources by 2030 is VND2,876,397 billion (equivalent to $118.2 billion), in which the State’s investment capital shall be VND666,779 billion (equivalent to $27.4 billion), and the amount of investment capital from private sectors would be expected about VND2,209,618 billion (equivalent to $90.8 billion), more than triple of the State’s investment capital.

- Total investment of power sources from 2031-2035 is VND2,776,524 billion (equivalent to $114,1 billion), in which, the State’s investment capital shall be VND644,878 billion (equivalent to $26.5 billion), and the amount of investment capital from private sectors would be expected about VND2,131,746 billion (equivalent to $D87.6 billion), also more than triple of the State’s investment capital.

- For the development of all energy sources and the relevant infrastructure, a total from 89,900 to 93,360 hectares of land will be allocated.

I. Detailed development plans for energy sources and prioritized energy sources

Under the revised PDP VIII, substantial across-the-board increases were introduced for the overall capacity development of energy sources. Decision 1509 now identifies 13 renewable and non-renewable power sources designated for priority development by the years 2030 and 2035, with their own distinct capacity allocated. The prioritized power sources and their allocated capacities are listed out below, which could be categorized into (i) renewable energy and (ii) non-renewable energy.

1. Prioritized non-renewable energy sources

Decision 1509 has maintained a number of prioritized non-renewable sources, in an effort to ensure energy security and affordability, matching Vietnam's upward economic growth.

1.1 Thermal power

- Liquefied natural gas thermal power plants (LNG thermal power plants)

The revised Implementation Plan introduces a total capacity of 22,524 MW to LNG thermal power plants, to be fully materialized by 2030 and shall be accounting for 9.5-12.3% of the total generation mix. The plan spotlights several marquee projects, including:

- Bac Lieu LNG thermal power plant: 3,200 MW and expected commercial operation dates (COD) between 2025 and 2030;

- Nghi Son LNG thermal power plant: 1,500 MW and an expected COD in 2028; and

- Ca Na LNG thermal power plant: 1,500 MW and an expected COD in 2028.

Capacities of LNG thermal power plants can be fluctuated by 15% of the allocated capacity, depending on the actual implementation plan during preparations and constructions of the factory itself. Further details of the LNG thermal power plants are meticulously outlined in Schedule II.1, Table 1, enclosed with the revised Implementation Plan.

On other notes, to better support the development of LNG thermal power plants, the Government has recently reduced the import duties on LNG from 5% to 2%, through the issuance of Decree 73/2025/ND-CP. The Vietnamese Government will also guarantee the minimum long-term contracted quantity at 65%.

Several backup LNG thermal power plants were also named under Table 2 of ScheduleII.2. Backup LNG thermal power plants shall only be implemented from 2031-2035, and only in case of a supply shortage, or a sudden spike in demand.

- Domestic natural gas thermal plants

The revised Implementation Plan allocated a total capacity of 14,930 MW for domestic natural gas thermal plant, with full deployment slated for 2030 and accounting for 6,3% of the total generation mix. The plan named two cornerstone projects:

- O Mon I–IV Thermal Power Plants: Collective capacity of 3,810 MW and expected COD between 2025 and 2030, utilizing natural gas from the $12 billion Lot B project; and

- Dung Quat I-III Thermal Power Plants: Collective capacity of 2,250 MW and an expected COD in 2030, utilizing natural gas from the Blue Whale Gas Field.

Furthermore, in accordance with Decree 100/2025, it is anticipated that domestic natural gas thermal power plants shall be prioritized over their LNG counterparts. As more gas fields may continue to be explored, capacity allocated for natural gas-to-power projects may experience a surge after the year of 2030. Other notable domestic gas projects are included in Schedule II.1, Table 6, of the revised Implementation Plan.

- Coal-fired thermal plants

Pursuant to the revised Implementation Plan, the total capacity allocated for coal-fired thermal plants is established at 31,055 MW, fully implemented by 2030. The allocated capacity for coal-fired plants will account for 13.1-16.9% of the total generation mix. Among the principal projects currently under development are:

- Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,403 MW and an expected COD in 2025; and

- Long Phu I Thermal Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,200 MW and an expected COD in 2026

Given the substantial capacity earmarked for coal-fired thermal power plants, it is contemplated that Vietnam shall strategically rely upon coal as a primary energy source in the immediate future. This reliance is intended to safeguard both energy security and economic affordability during this period. Further notable projects subject to development are detailed in Schedule II.1, Table 3, of the revised Implementation Plan.

Despite the prioritization for development in the short term, it is essential to note that coal-fired thermal plants shall only commence its operation until 2030. Beyond 2030, all coal-fired plants are expected to either completely shifts to biomass/ammoniac sources (for plants operated for more than 20 years); or shutting down all coal-fired plants in operation for more than 40 years.

- Co-generation (residual heat and by-products)

The allocated capacity for co-generation projects utilizing residual heat and by-products is 1,404 MW by 2030, and to be increased to 3,204 MW by 2035. Notable projects include:

- Formosa HT2 Co-Generation Plant, with a capacity of 650 MW and an expected COD in 2029; and

- Hai Ha 1-4 Co-Generation Plants, with a collective capacity of 2,100 MW and expected COD in 2030 for Hai Ha 1 and 2035 for Hai Ha 2-4.

Additional projects are set forth in Schedule II.1, Table 5, of the revised Implementation Plan.

2. Prioritized renewable energy sources

- Concentrated solar power (CSP) and rooftop solar (RTS)

The revised Implementation Plan stipulates that the total capacity allocated for solar power projects is designated to range between 46,459 MW and 73,416 MW by 2030 (as stipulated by Decision 768). This allocation expressly excludes (i) non-grid connected solar power sources; and (ii) self-produced, self-consumed RTS having minimal impact on the national electricity system.

The allocated capacity is detailed by province and projects, with COD of projects ranging in two main periods, i.e. by 2030 and within the years from 2031 to 2035, with the provinces receiving the highest allocations being:

- Dak Lak, with 7,917 MW by 2035;

- Binh Phuoc, with 4,358.6 MW by 2035; and

- Binh Duong, with 1,250 MW by 2035.

Among the notable solar power projects being:

- Ea Sup Solar Power Plant, comprising five solar facilities (Plants 6 through10), with a collective capacity of 1,400 MW and expected COD between 2031 and 2033;

- Rung Xanh Solar Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,100 MW and expected COD between 2031 and 2035; and

- Rvê Solar Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,000 MW and expected COD between 2025 and 2028.

Notably, all three of the aforementioned projects are located in Dak Lak province.

Furthermore, pursuant to the revised Implementation Plan, priority is accorded to the development of floating solar power projects on irrigation and hydropower reservoirs, with a designated capacity of 3,022 MW.

This strategic emphasis on the floating solar power is due to its ability to mitigate the land use and leverage the pre-existing transmission infrastructure of hydropower facilities. Such integration facilitates reduced capital expenditure and enhances operational efficiency by enabling the coordinated operation of both renewable energy sources, thereby optimizing resource utilization and supporting the national objective of sustainable energy development.

Details of concentrated solar power projects are set forth in Table 14 of Schedule II.1 of the revised Implementation Plan.

- Wind power projects (WPP)

The revised Implementation Plan categorizes the total capacity for WPP into two distinct classifications, namely onshore and nearshore (collectively Onshore WPP), and offshore WPP. The detailed capacity allocation is as follow:

For onshore WPP, the total allocated capacity for Onshore WPP, as set forth in the revised Implementation Plan, ranges from 26,066 MW to 38,029 MW by 2030, accounting for 14.2-16.1% of the total generation mix. The provinces with the highest allocated capacities are:

- Ha Tinh, with 2,304.5 MW by 2030;

- Soc Trang, with 2,131.4 MW by 2030; and

- Tra Vinh, with 2,034.5 MW by 2030.

Prominent projects include:

- V2 Expansion Onshore WPP, a new project located in Ninh Thuan with an allocated capacity of 769 MW;

- Hon Trau-Phase 1 Onshore WPP, a new project located in Binh Dinh with an allocated capacity of 750 MW; and

- Ky Anh Eco Wind Power Project, a new project located in Ha Tinh with an allocated capacity of 498 MW.

Details of the onshore WPPs are set forth in Schedule II.1 (Tables 12 and 13) of the revised Implementation Plan. Table 12 consists of WPPs previously approved under Decision No. 500/QD-TTg (the PDP VIII), together with their respective implementation plans as established under Decision No. 262/QD-TTg and Decision No. 1682/QD-TTg. Meanwhile, Table 13 stipulates new Onshore WPPs approved pursuant to the revised Implementation Plan.

For offshore WPPs, under the revised PDP VIII, the expected COD for Offshore WPPs has been deferred to the period spanning 2031 to 2035. Notwithstanding this postponement, eight separate offshore WPPs were allocated with 6,000 MW (for domestic consumption) in capacity by the year of 2030.

Among these allocated projects, two offshore WPPs are distinguished by their significant capacity:

- Bac Bo 1 (comprising Bac Bo 1.1; Bac Bo 1.2 and Bac Bo 1.3), with the total capacity of 1,500 MW and expected COD ranging from 2025-2035; and

- Nam Trung Bo 1 (comprising Nam Trung Bo 1.1, Nam Trung Bo 1.2 and Nam Trung Bo 1.3) with a total capacity of 1,500 MW and expected COD from 2025-2035. Other detailed Offshore WPPs with expected COD by 2030 are set forth in Schedule II.1, Table 17, in the revised Implementation Plan.

By 2035, a more ambitious plan is established, allocating a total of 17,032 MW across 16 projects located in three regions (i) Northern (10 projects); (ii) South Central (3 projects); and (iii) Southern (3 projects). Detailed allocations could be found in Schedule II.1, Table 18, of the revised Implementation Plan.

- Nuclear power plants (NPP)

Under the revised PDP VIII and Decision 1509, the development of nuclear power plants was re-introduced. The total allocated capacity for such NPPs is stipulated to range between 4,000 MW and 6,400 MW, to be apportioned across two designated plants: Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2, both projected to attain their COD within the period of 2031 to 2035.

The State retains the exclusive right to the development of NPPs, it is highly likely that Vietnam will pursue collaborative arrangements from foreign countries with extensive experience in developing NPP (i.e. Russia, Japan). The detailed information of the NPPs is stipulated in Schedule II.1, Table 10, of the revised Implementation Plan.

3. Establishment of Inter-Regional Renewable Energy Industrial Centers

Two inter-regional renewable energy industrial and service hubs are planned to be developed by 2030 as follows:

- Inter-regional Renewable Energy Industrial and Service Hub in the Northern Region is located in such areas as Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Thai Binh, with potential future expansion to surrounding provinces.

The hubs will contain manufacturing facilities for renewable energy equipment; seaport and logistics services supporting installation, operation, maintenance, and repair; green industrial zones with low carbon emissions; and research and training institutions.

- Inter-regional Renewable Energy Industrial and Service Hub in the South Central-Southern Region is located in such areas as Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Ho Cho Minh City, with the potential expansion to neighboring areas in the future.

The Service Hub will contain those components as the Northern hub does, including equipment manufacturing plants for renewable energy, seaport and logistics services for construction and O&M, green low-carbon industrial parks, and research and training centers.

4. New energy

The revised Implementation Plan prioritizes the development of RE for the production of New Energy such as green hydrogen and green ammonia for both domestic use and export.

Specifically, the Central and Southern regions are identified as the areas with potential for electricity export, having estimated export capacity from 5,000 MW to 10,000 MW. The MOIT is responsible for reporting to competent authorities for consideration and decision on the policy for electricity export and the corresponding synchronized grid connection solutions for each specific case, in accordance with applicable laws.

RE must also be used to produce New Energy (such as green hydrogen and green ammonia) for both domestic use and export purposes. Priority is given to development in areas with high RE potential and favorable grid infrastructure. The targeted development scale of the New Energy is up to 15,000 MW, primarily sourced from offshore WPPs.

The MoIT shall report to and propose the Prime Minister to consider and decide on specific New Energy projects upon preliminary assessment of their technological feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The capacity of RE sources used for New Energy production shall however not be included in the power generation structure serving the national grid load demand.

5. Other notable prioritized power sources

For hydropower, the total allocated capacity ranges from 33,294 MW to 34,667 MW, accounting for 14.7-18.2% of the total generation mix by 2030. Details of the projects are stipulated under Table 7 and Table 8 of Schedule II.1 of Decision 1509;

For pumped hydropower, the total allocated capacity for ranges from 2,400 MW to 6,000MW. Details of the projects are stipulated under Table 9 of Schedule II.1 of Decision 1509;

For biomass, the total allocated capacity ranges from 1,523 MW to 2,699 MW. Details of the projects (i.e. name/ capacity) are stipulated under Table 15 of Schedule II.1 of Decision 1509;

For waste-to-energy, the total allocated capacity ranges from 1,441 MW to 2,137 MW. Details of the projects are stipulated under Table 16 of Schedule II.1 of Decision 1509;

For Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the total allocated capacity ranges from 10,000 MW to 16,300 MW. Details of the projects are stipulated under Table 11 of Schedule II.1 of Decision 1509;

With respect to import and export of electricity, Vietnam is promoting electricity imports from Laos and China to ensure supply, while also developing electricity exports to Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries in the region, with the goal of reaching 5,000 MW to 10,000 MW of exports by 2035 and maintaining at least 10,000 MW by 2050.

With respect to the flexible energy source, total allocated capacity ranges from 2,000 MW to 3,000 MW. Details of the projects are stipulated in Schedule II.1, Table 19, of Decision 1509.

II. Transmission development

Aligning with the capacity developments, national grid development also remains as a pivotal point of focus, as evidenced in the revised PDP VIII and the revised Implementation Plan.

Major smart grid technologies are expected to study and adopt, including: High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), Static Var Generator (SVG), Var Compensator (VC), Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS), Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) appropriate to system demands to satisfy technical requirements and increase operational effectiveness.

1. Substation and transmission line developments

Northern region

The Northern region features significant grid enhancements, with data sourced from Tables 3 (500 kV substations), 4 (500 kV lines), 5 (220 kV substations), and 6 (220 kV lines).

For power substations in the Northern region, the plan contemplates the construction of 41 new 500 kV16 substations with a total capacity of 75,000 MVA (27 projects in 2025-2030 and 14 in 2031-2035) and approximately 120 new 220 kV substations with an estimated capacity of 60,000 MVA, alongside the renovation of 27 existing 500 kV substations, increasing capacity by 61,200 MVA (7 in 2025-2030 and 20 in 2031-2035), and approximately 35 existing 220 kV substations, enhancing capacity by 17,500 MVA.

The transmission network in the North envisages approximately 50 new 500 kV transmission lines, spanning 2,000 kilometers, and 150 new 220 kV lines, covering 3,000 kilometers, are proposed, with renovations for approximately 10 500 kV lines (500 kilometers) and 20 220 kV lines (1,000 kilometers).

Central region

For power substations in the Central region, the initiative includes 15 new 500 kV substations with a capacity of 25,650 MVA (11 in 2025-2030 and 4 in 2031-2035) and approximately 80 new 220 kV substations with a capacity of 40,000 MVA, complemented by the renovation of 5 500 kV substations, adding 10,800 MVA, and approximately 20 220 kV substations, increasing capacity by 10,000 MVA.

The transmission network in the central region further envisages approximately 30 new 500 kV transmission lines (1,500 kilometers) and 100 new 220 kV lines (2,000 kilometers), with renovations planned for approximately 5 500 kV lines (300 kilometers) and 10 220 kV lines (500 kilometers).

Southern region

For power substations in the Southern region, the scheme provides for 25 new 500 kV substations with a total capacity of 45,000 MVA (17 in 2025-2030 and 8 in 2031-2035) and approximately 100 new 220 kV substations with a capacity of 50,000 MVA, alongside the renovation of 10 existing 500 kV substations, augmenting capacity by 20,250 MVA, and approximately 30 existing 220 kV substations, enhancing capacity by 15,000 MVA.

The transmission network expansion in the South includes approximately 40 new 500 kV lines (1,800 kilometers) and 120 new 220 kV lines (2,500 kilometers), with renovations affecting approximately 8 500 kV lines (400 kilometers) and 15 220 kV lines (800 kilometers).

2. Electrification of remote areas and Islands

The plan targets providing electricity to more than 911,000 households in remote, border, and island areas via the national grid or renewable energy sources. At the same time, it ensures power supply for pumping stations serving agricultural production in the Mekong Delta and for remaining islands that do not yet have electricity.