Vietnam seeks feedback on replacing delayed gas power projects with coal
The proposed changes to Power Development Plan VIII aim to support electricity supply during 2027-2030 and beyond, the industry ministry said.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is seeking comments from ministries and local authorities on proposed changes to Phase 1 of Power Development Plan VIII. The draft includes substituting coal-fired projects for delayed gas-fired plants authorised under prime ministerial Decision No.768, dated April 15, 2025.
The ministry said revising the plan would help ensure electricity supply during 2027-2030 and beyond. It said coal-fired projects need lengthy preparation, with construction taking at least 36 months after the selection of an engineering-procurement-construction contractor. Early changes would allow projects to advance towards generating electricity in 2029-2030. Projects being replaced would be considered for operation in 2031-2035, it added.
Provincial and city authorities have been asked to commit to the operating schedules of the projects being replaced and accept full responsibility for delays that affect electricity supply. The State Bank of Vietnam has been asked to clarify its capacity to mobilise investment funding for proposed changes and additions. The agriculture and environment ministry and the foreign affairs ministry are also being consulted on new coal-fired projects.
Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited and Dong Bac Corporation have been asked to assess domestic coal availability for additional coal-fired plants. For wind, solar and biomass projects, the ministry said it would continue reviewing annual implementation progress with local authorities and assess whether changes to the generation mix and project portfolio were needed.
