Viet Nam
As Southeast Asia’s renewable powerhouse, Viet Nam can quickly decarbonise its power sector by integrating untapped solar and wind potential
In 2023, Viet Nam relied on fossil fuels for 58% of its electricity. Its per capita emissions are below the global average.
Viet Nam leads Southeast Asia in share of low-carbon generation (42%), primarily from hydro (29%). From 2015 to 2023, solar and wind grew tenfold to 13% of electricity generation, on a par with the global average and exceeding peers like Thailand (4.7%) and the Philippines (3.2%).
However, as electricity demand more than doubled over the past decade, Viet Nam met this with a doubling of coal generation, which led to a tripling of emissions. Its latest plans will more than double fossil capacity by 2030. The IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.
With its vast solar and wind potential, Viet Nam can ramp up renewables and ensure their integration into the electricity system. This will reduce reliance on fossil fuels to meet rising demand.
Last updated: May 2024
Progress towards 1.5C power sector benchmarks
Viet Nam
2000–2040
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