- Vietnam triples renewable targets: The new PDP8 sets 2030 goals of 73 GW solar and 38 GW wind, up from 12.8 GW and 21 GW.
- Coal decline planned: Coal share to drop to 17% by 2030, with full phase-out by 2050.
- Nuclear returns: First nuclear plant scheduled by 2035 under new deal with Russia’s Rosatom.
The Vietnamese government has raised its renewable energy goals in a revised Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8), responding to rising electricity demand and a national push to cut coal use.
Officials released the updated plan on the government’s official portal. The new targets aim for 73 gigawatts (GW) of solar power and 38 GW of onshore wind by 2030. These numbers significantly increase the 2023 targets of 12.8 GW for solar and 21 GW for wind.
The government plans to reduce coal’s share in electricity generation. By 2030, coal will account for only 17% of the power mix, down from 20% in 2023. Officials plan to phase out coal completely by 2050.
They expect solar power to supply 31% of total electricity by 2030, while onshore wind will contribute 16%. These two sources will form the core of Vietnam’s clean energy growth.
The government estimates the country will need over $136 billion in investments to meet these targets. This funding will go into power generation, grid expansion, and storage systems.
Vietnam has faced major infrastructure challenges in recent years. Between 2018 and 2020, solar power grew quickly. However, a weak transmission grid and policy gaps slowed further expansion. As a result, many projects stood idle or were underused.
Analysts now believe the situation has improved. “These goals are more achievable now,” said Andri Prasetiyo, a researcher at Senik Centre Asia. “Vietnam has strengthened its regulations and built stronger industrial capacity.”
To move forward, authorities must fast-track project approvals and boost investor confidence. They also need to upgrade the national grid to handle variable renewable power.
The revised plan also revives Vietnam’s nuclear ambitions. The government plans to build the first nuclear power plant by 2035. In January, it signed a cooperation deal with Russia’s Rosatom to support this goal.
The planned nuclear project will sit in Ninh Thuan province. This area hosted two earlier projects approved in 2009. Japan’s JINED consortium partnered in the plans. However, authorities cancelled the projects in 2016 due to financial and environmental concerns.
The government now aims to revise nuclear regulations to ensure safety and transparency. Officials must create new policies to manage financing and environmental risks.
By setting bold targets, Vietnam intends to lead the region’s clean energy transition. But success will depend on action. Leaders must close infrastructure gaps, enforce policy reforms, and attract global financing.
If the country meets these conditions, it could build a reliable, low-carbon power system. The roadmap offers a clearer direction for Vietnam’s energy future—prioritising sustainability, security, and growth.