A resolution of special significance

On the afternoon of December 8, during the 10th Session of the 15th National Assembly, lawmakers continued discussions in the plenary hall on the draft Resolution on mechanisms and policies for national energy development during 2026-2030.

In his remarks at the session, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien expressed his sincere appreciation for the National Assembly deputies’ dedicated and responsible contributions to the draft Resolution.

During group discussions, 40 deputies presented opinions, with the majority agreeing on the necessity and key contents of the Resolution. The Ministry of Industry and Trade had previously submitted a report summarizing and responding to comments, attached to the draft Resolution for the deputies’ review.

“Today in the plenary hall, 13 more deputies continued to contribute valuable feedback. We sincerely appreciate all these insights and will incorporate them diligently, together with the verifying agencies, before submitting the finalized draft to the National Assembly for approval,” the Minister affirmed.

Addressing several issues raised by deputies, Minister Dien emphasized that most opinions concurred on the necessity and appropriateness of issuing the Resolution, which aims to concretize Politburo Resolution No. 70 on national energy development for the coming period.

The Resolution will address existing bottlenecks in energy development and serves as an essential, enabling framework to implement Power Development Plan VIII and Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Throughout the drafting process, the drafting body thoroughly examined practical needs from localities and enterprises of all economic sectors, with the highest objective of ensuring national energy security and meeting the double-digit growth targets set by the National Assembly,” Minister Dien noted.

Following conclusions by the National Assembly Standing Committee and reviews by relevant agencies and deputies, the draft Resolution has been revised to include several breakthrough mechanisms and policies, institutionalizing the Party’s orientations under Resolution No. 70. The scope of application has also been clarified to ensure consistency with Politburo Resolutions No. 68 and No. 70 and to include actors from all economic sectors.

Regarding the Resolution’s title, constitutionality, legality, and coherence with laws under review by the National Assembly, Minister Dien said the drafting body, in close coordination with the verifying agencies, has refined the wording in accordance with guidance from the Standing Committee. The Resolution is now titled: “Resolution of the National Assembly on mechanisms and policies for national energy development during 2026-2030.”

Some provisions have been removed or reserved pending the final vote, ensuring consistency with upcoming laws. For example, national petroleum stockpiling will not be included if addressed in the draft Law on National Reserves. Similarly, provisions concerning government-guaranteed borrowing conditions, delayed projects, or land-use procedures have been integrated into the relevant laws such as the Law on Public Debt Management, Land Law, Investment Law, and Electricity Law.

Focusing only on projects of national importance and urgency

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien noted that in line with Politburo Resolution No. 66, the drafting body has coordinated closely with verifying agencies to ensure that issues falling under the National Assembly or Government’s authority are clearly defined in the Resolution, while those requiring flexibility are detailed at the Government level rather than within ministries.

Revisions include: financial capability requirements for enterprises; dossiers for offshore wind project approval; mechanisms for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs); procedures for survey cost settlement; processes for receiving and evaluating offshore wind project proposals; and the expansion of direct power purchase agreements (DPPA) to eligible retail electricity units.

The Minister clarified several issues of concern to deputies:

First, regarding the scope of the Resolution, the draft has been amended to align with Politburo Resolution 70 by applying special mechanisms only to nationally important and urgent electricity, oil, and coal projects designated by the Prime Minister. Responding to concerns about unclear criteria, Minister Dien stressed that the Government has developed and approved a detailed list and only such projects will be eligible for special mechanisms.

Second, on adjustments to the Power Development Plan, the draft now clearly states that updates do not constitute changes under the Planning Law and do not alter viewpoints, objectives, orientations, or total installed capacity by technology type. Updates are intended only to refine certain components to meet practical requirements.

Third, regarding authority over offshore wind projects for 2026-2030, the draft after reflecting deputies’ concerns on national security and local capacity assigns the Prime Minister full authority to approve investment intentions and investor selection, without applying land-use auctions or investor bidding for the 6,000 MW capacity planned during this period.

The remaining 11,000 MW planned toward 2035 will follow existing regulations, with provincial chairpersons making decisions based on actual conditions and legal requirements.

On other issues such as mechanisms for renewable energy, LNG power, expanded DPPA eligibility, small hydropower, and biomass power, the drafting body has agreed with verifying agencies to extend DPPA participation to qualified retail sellers and report further details to the Government.

As for small hydropower, Minister Dien noted that current laws remain appropriate. Since small hydropower projects are long-term and not urgent, they will be considered during the revision of the Electricity Law in 2026.

Responding to concerns about minimizing procedural guidance to ensure swift implementation especially since the Resolution will only be effective for five years Minister Dien confirmed that the Government has already requested the National Assembly to allow decrees and circulars to be issued under simplified procedures.

On offshore wind policy, the Minister reaffirmed that Vietnam has substantial potential with nearly 3,000 km of coastline, and pricing mechanisms for three regions have been in place since June 2025. However, given that offshore wind is a completely new energy type, associated with strict national security and technical requirements, policy rollout must be cautious to avoid overheating, subsequent corrections, and management risks.

Finally, regarding concerns that relaxing rules could create “ask-give” mechanisms, Minister Dien assured deputies that once the Resolution is approved, the Government will establish strict oversight to prevent abuse. After its five-year term expires, all energy project adjustments will revert fully to the existing legal framework.