Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has proposed revisions to the national Power Development Plan (PDP8), significantly increasing the role of solar energy in the country’s electricity mix. The updated plan aims to triple power capacity by 2030 and expand it up to seven times by 2050 to support economic growth and carbon neutrality goals.
The revised PDP8 targets a total installed capacity of 211,800 MW by 2030, an increase of 56,200 MW over previous estimates. Solar power capacity is expected to reach 34,000 MW, up by 25,000 MW, boosting solar’s share in the electricity mix from 5.7 per cent to 16 per cent. The plan also includes expanding pumped storage hydropower from 2,700 MW to 15,250 MW and adding 5,000 MW of hydropower output. Wind power installations are projected to increase by 7,000 MW, while electricity imports from China and Laos could triple to 14,600 MW. Offshore wind projects have been excluded due to feasibility concerns.
MoIT forecasts continued expansion beyond 2030, with rooftop solar potentially reaching 137,000 MW by 2050 and concentrated solar power adding 77,000 MW. However, industry experts warn that regulatory uncertainties, financing difficulties, and policy instability could hinder implementation. Investors have urged the government to establish a stable policy framework to attract long-term investment and sustain the clean energy transition. If successfully executed, the revised PDP8 could position Vietnam as a leader in renewable energy adoption in Southeast Asia.