Vietnam's Bold Leap: Ditching Coal for Clean Power

Vietnam Makes Colossal Stride to Green Shift Away from Coal
Vietnam is making a monolithic stride toward less dependence on coal and boosting clean energy output. The master plan has been approved by the government to drive the transition process, where it has set out to achieve an objective of harnessing at least 1,160 MW of clean energy capacity by 2025. This is in synergy with the overall vision of being net-zero in 2050.

Government Energy Transition Plan
The Vietnamese government legalized its shift to cleaner forms of energy by way of Decision No. 266/QD-TTg. The scheme is meant to raise capital from local and overseas sources to retire carbon-emitting coal-based power plants, introduce cleaner technology, and increase the production of renewable energy. The plan is focused on providing a guaranteed and affordable supply of electricity without the risk of environmental expense.

Among the major elements of the change is phasing out in due course old coal power. The government is also looking at closing 540 MW of Pha Lai and Ninh Binh coal power if it cannot compete based on efficiency and emission levels. Apart from this, Vietnam is also looking at piloting carbon capture technology in old coal-based power by 2030.

In order to further cut down emissions, Vietnam will develop biomass and ammonia co-firing, which can cut down carbon dioxide emissions sharply. Vietnam will increase the share of renewable energy to 29.2-37.7%, helping to stabilize the supply of energy while keeping the consumption of fossil fuels under control.

Future of Coal and Renewable Energy Expansion
By 2045, Vietnam plans to convert more than 25,000 MW of coal capacity to ammonia and biomass. The transition will assist the nation in meeting its clean energy goals as well as lower its use of coal. For this purpose, all the power plants based on coal will be upgraded to cleaner fuels or carbon capture technology.

Vietnam is also proceeding with the plan to revive the long-halted Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, which will be commissioned in five years. The nuclear project is one component of an ambitious plan to diversify the energy supply base of the country and attain long-term energy security.

Policy, Investment, and Workforce Considerations
It involves tremendous investment and policy change. The Vietnamese government is stepping up monetary assistance for clean energy schemes and encouraging global coordination. It also is attempting to gain access to cutting-edge energy technology and enhance rulemaking environments in an effort to become attractive to clean energy investors.

At the social level, the government recognizes the impact of this transformation on coal workers and communities. Workers' interests will be protected and new opportunities established, with a reasonable transition to a clean future energy.

Vietnam's leadership in phasing out coal and advancing renewable energy growth shows its commitment to taking action on climate and sustainability. Transition to clean energy will continue to be a main driver for the realization of national and global environmental goals.