How is solar energy regulated in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s solar power sector is governed by a number of key regulations and policies aimed at promoting the development of renewable energy while managing the challenges associated with rapid growth.

Could Vietnam replace fixed feed-in tariffs with standardized auctions?

As global costs for solar, wind, and battery storage systems fall, Vietnam could replace fixed feed-in tariffs (FiTs) with standardized competitive auctions to procure clean energy at the lowest cost.

What are the requirements for a battery project in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese authorities also decided that battery projects under the FiT scheme must have at least 10% of a PV plant's capacity and offer at least 2 hours of storage. According to the latest statistics from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Vietnam had approximately 18.66 GW of installed PV capacity at the end of 2024.

Can solar and wind power meet Vietnam's near-term energy needs?

Such financial hurdles have challenged the government’s ability to use fossil fuels to expand electricity supply in step with Vietnam’s fast-growing economy. Contrastingly, solar and wind power’s lower capital requirements and faster development timelines are well-suited to meeting Vietnam’s near-term energy needs.

How can a new LNG-to-power project protect Vietnam from global fuel price volatility?

Prioritizing domestic renewables and grid resilience over new LNG-to-power projects can shield Vietnam from global fuel price and exchange rate volatility while still meeting demand growth. Vietnam stands at an inflection point.

Is subsidy reshaping Vietnam's Electricity sector?

The rapid, subsidy-driven expansion has exposed gaps in planning and financial sustainability – laying the groundwork that is now reshaping the sector’s trajectory. The state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) is now under financial strain due to the tariffs it set, which were as high as USD9.35 cents per kilowatt hour (¢/kWh).