Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Decision No. 266/QD-TTg, approving the implementation plan for the Global Coal-to-Clean Energy Transition Statement. The plan aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to low-carbon development and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
It aims to mobilise domestic and international resources for power sector development, adopt co-firing technology with clean fuels to gradually reduce emissions from coal-fired plants, phase out outdated and inefficient facilities, and accelerate renewable energy expansion to ensure stable and affordable electricity supply.
By 2030, Vietnam will pilot carbon capture systems at selected aging coal power plants and consider decommissioning around 540 MW of coal-fired capacity at Pha Lai and Ninh Binh if efficiency and emission reduction targets cannot be met. The plan also includes research on biomass and ammonia co-firing to lower CO2 emissions, targeting a renewable energy share of 29.2 - 37.7%. The Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is expected to be completed within five years.
By 2045, Vietnam will develop at least 1,160 MW of clean energy to replace coal power and gradually transition more than 25,000 MW of coal capacity to biomass and ammonia. By 2050, all coal-fired plants will either switch to clean fuels or integrate carbon capture technology, ultimately eliminating coal use in power generation.
To achieve these goals, the government will implement comprehensive measures on policy, technology, finance, international cooperation, and a just energy transition while ensuring social welfare./.
