As of 2025, Vietnam's electricity consumption is almost evenly split between fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy, primarily driven by coal, accounts for slightly over half of the electricity generation, with coal itself making up nearly 48% of the total. Low-carbon energy, which comprises sustainable sources such as hydropower, solar, and wind, contributes around 46% to the electricity mix. Hydropower is a significant player, making up just over a third of the total electricity generation. Solar and wind power, while not as dominant, collectively account for more than 12% of the energy mix. This balance highlights a need for further scaling of clean energy sources to continue Vietnam's path toward a greener future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Vietnam?
Electricity consumption per person in Vietnam has decreased in 2025 compared to the previous year, dropping from a historic high of 3047 kWh/person in 2024 to 2549 kWh/person. This decline of almost 500 kWh/person indicates a worrying trend, particularly in the clean energy sector, where per capita generation fell by 168 kWh. Reductions in clean electricity generation undermine efforts to build a sustainable and healthy environment and reveal an urgent need to focus on expanding low-carbon energy. This decline is particularly concerning given the importance of electrification to support growth in various sectors, including emerging technologies like AI.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Vietnam can look to countries that have successfully integrated high percentages of clean energy into their grids. Regions like Denmark and Iowa have capitalized on wind energy, generating around 60% and 58% of their electricity from wind, respectively. Vietnam could similarly expand its wind energy potential by investing in offshore and onshore wind projects. Meanwhile, countries with strong nuclear programs, such as France and Slovakia, derive almost two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear energy. Vietnam could consider following their lead to stabilize and increase its base-load clean electricity generation. Furthermore, Vietnam should continue to expand its solar capacity, taking inspiration from regions like North Macedonia and Nevada, where solar energy is pivotal.
History
Vietnam's history of low-carbon electricity generation shows varied progress, especially in hydropower and solar energy. The early 2000s saw modest yet consistent growth in hydropower, with significant increases around 2011 and during the mid-2010s. However, hydropower also faced challenges and declined in several years, particularly in 2018 and 2019. The 2020s brought renewed interest in solar and wind energy, with notable increases in solar output starting from 2019 and wind gains in 2022. However, the recent decline in solar and challenges in hydropower demonstrate that Vietnam must intensively boost its clean energy capacity by exploring diverse sources like nuclear and enhancing its solar and wind sectors. Tackling these challenges will be crucial for a sustainable and secure energy future.
