HCMC – The Ministry of Industry and Trade is reviewing National Power Development Plan VIII with a focus on fast-tracking urgent baseload power projects in northern Vietnam and incorporating electricity demand from next-generation transport infrastructure.

Under the review, localities from Quang Tri northward have been instructed to propose baseload generation and transmission projects under emergency mechanisms provided in the 2024 Electricity Law and Decree 56/2025/ND-CP. The goal is to bring new capacity online in 2027-2028 to address the risk of localized power shortages. Priority will be given to projects with high feasibility and ready access to transmission infrastructure, including floating solar power plants. Meanwhile, projects approved under Decision 768/QD-TTg in April 2026 but still lacking investors will face closer scrutiny. Any new coal-fired power proposals must demonstrate carbon capture and carbon dioxide storage solutions. The revised plan will also integrate electricity demand from emerging technologies and green infrastructure. Provinces have been asked to quantify power needs for data centers, electric vehicle charging stations, metro networks, high-speed rail projects and transit-oriented development (TOD) areas. To improve renewable energy planning, local authorities are required to provide more detailed data, including on-site wind measurements and monthly wind power generation estimates. The requirements were set out in Document No. 4583/BCT-DL issued by the ministry to provincial and municipal governments. Local authorities have until 5 p.m. on June 30, to submit reports and data for the review of the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII. The review aims to remove delayed or unviable projects and prioritize power sources capable of ensuring energy security while supporting the country’s transition toward a low-carbon economy. By aligning power planning with the future needs of data centers, high-speed rail and other green infrastructure projects, authorities are seeking to build an energy system capable of supporting the expansion of the digital economy and sustainable growth over the coming decades.