The National Assembly’s adoption of Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on December 11, 2025, outlining mechanisms and policies for national energy development for the 2026-2030 period, is being regarded as a timely and strategically important decision.
As Vietnam targets GDP growth of more than 10% in the 2026–2030 period, demand for energy, particularly electricity for production, is expected to rise sharply.
Mr. Trần Thúc Kham, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, talks about the significance and expected impact of the resolution.
* Why is Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 considered essential at this time?
Mr. Trần Thúc Kham. Photo: Provided by the interviewee
- Vietnam is entering a new phase of development with ambitious growth goals, aiming to become a modern industrialized nation with upper-middle-income status by 2030. This trajectory will drive rapid and uninterrupted increases in energy consumption, especially electricity.
However, the existing legal framework has not kept pace with emerging realities, particularly new energy models such as offshore wind power, direct power purchase agreements (DPPA), and post-investment electricity price bidding mechanisms.
Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15, which takes effect on March 1, 2026, establishes a clearer and more stable policy foundation. It helps resolve institutional bottlenecks, ensures safe and sustainable electricity supplies, and reinforces national energy security amid soaring demand.
* What are the key highlights of this resolution?
-Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 updates several strategic mechanisms and policies. Notably, it allows adjustments to power development planning and provincial grid development plans to meet practical needs, as long as major objectives and orientations remain unchanged and total generation capacity does not exceed approved limits.
The resolution also promotes renewable energy development, especially offshore wind power, expands new electricity trading models, enhances post-bidding pricing mechanisms, and builds a more transparent, stable investment environment for both domestic and foreign investors.
Significantly, investment projects in power grid infrastructure already included in the power development plan will no longer require investment policy approval, helping shorten project timelines.
The solar power project of Phu My Clean Energy Vision Development Joint Stock Company in Phu My Dong commune. Photo: Hải Yến
* In your view, what breakthroughs in energy development thinking does this resolution introduce?
- This is the first time the National Assembly has issued a thematic resolution on medium-term mechanisms and policies for energy development. It reflects a major shift from administrative management to development facilitation, recognizing energy as foundational infrastructure for growth and national security.
The resolution moves beyond the traditional goal of merely “ensuring sufficient electricity supply” toward building a sustainable, diversified, modern energy sector aligned with the green transition and international commitments.
It also expands policy space for new energy models by establishing legal foundations where none previously existed, a critical step for keeping pace with global energy market trends.
* How will Gia Lai apply this resolution, given its strong renewable energy potential?
-Once the resolution takes effect, Gia Lai will apply it flexibly to adjust and update elements of the power development plan and provincial grid plan. All adjustments will comply with the Constitution and laws, align with Party guidelines, ensure energy security and power system safety, and support energy transition goals.
We place strong emphasis on transparency, strict power control, anti-corruption, anti-waste, and preventing the resurgence of “ask–give” mechanisms.
Wind power fields in Ia Bang commune. Photo: Phạm Quý
*Could you share how the implementation of the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII is progressing locally?
-The Department of Industry and Trade has advised the Provincial People’s Committee to report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the progress of power source and grid projects under the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII. We have also provided data to support the proposal for adjusting the national power plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.
Under Government Resolution No. 233/NQ-CP on addressing obstacles for renewable energy projects, three projects with a combined capacity of 132 MW are already operational. Two additional projects totaling 250.5 MW are awaiting appraisal and licensing by the Electricity Regulatory Authority and are expected to come online soon.
The province has conducted a five-year review of Politburo Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW, reviewed the installation of wind measurement towers in its western region, and monitored investment registration and progress of wind and grid-connected solar projects.
Based on these evaluations, we have advised the Provincial People’s Committee to propose that the Government and Ministry of Industry and Trade include Gia Lai’s power source and grid projects in the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII and to issue plans for investor selection for renewable energy projects.
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