As of 2025, Vietnam's electricity landscape presents a balanced mix between fossil-based and low-carbon sources. Fossil fuels dominate just over half of the electricity generation, with a significant majority coming from coal. The remaining portion consists of clean energy, accounting for nearly half of the total generation. Hydropower takes the lead within the low-carbon segment, contributing almost a third of the total electricity, followed by solar and wind, which make up close to one-eighth combined. While reliance on coal remains substantial, the presence of significant clean energy sources indicates Vietnam's movement towards sustainable electric generation.

Is Electricity Growing in Vietnam?

Recent data reflects a concerning decline in electricity consumption in Vietnam. The average electricity usage has dropped to 2549 kWh per person from its previous peak of 3047 kWh in 2024. This decrease, a reduction of about one-sixth, suggests challenges in maintaining growth momentum in electricity usage, which could hinder electrification and emerging technological demands. Additionally, there's been a decline in low-carbon electricity generation per individual, slipping from 1336 to 1168 kWh in the same period. This shift highlights a pressing need to bolster clean energy initiatives despite the ongoing reliance on other sources.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Vietnam can draw inspiration from regions successfully leveraging solar and wind, complemented by nuclear energy deployment. For solar ambitions, states like California and Nevada, which produce about a third of their electricity from solar, serve as exemplars. Wind energy, exceedingly successful in countries like Denmark and US states such as Iowa, demonstrates potential for Vietnam to expand in this sector. Furthermore, embracing nuclear energy like France, where it constitutes more than two-thirds of the electricity mix, can significantly advance Vietnam's low-carbon portfolio. Investing in infrastructure and securing policy support for these sources can ensure a sustainable, clean-electricity future for Vietnam.

History

Historically, Vietnam's journey into low-carbon electricity has ebbed and flowed, with hydropower as a particularly pivotal player. From 2001 onwards, hydropower consistently saw increases in output, peaking with a notable surge in 2017 but experiencing periodic declines in subsequent years. The early 2020s marked a pivotal era where solar energy notably contributed, illustrated by significant growth in 2020 and 2021, before a dip in 2025. A major positive development was the introduction of wind energy in 2022, underscoring diversification efforts. The variance in generation reflects both challenges and strides in strengthening Vietnam's low-carbon supply, signaling the need for continuous commitment to cleaner energy sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade