Currently, Vietnam's electricity consumption is primarily driven by fossil fuels, which account for more than half of the total energy mix, with coal alone making up nearly half of the consumption. On the cleaner side, low-carbon energy sources form a significant portion, contributing almost 44% to the total electricity generation. Hydropower is the most substantial clean energy source, representing about a third of Vietnam's electricity consumption. Solar energy contributes to over 8% of the total, and wind energy accounts for a smaller share at just over 4%. This combination of low-carbon and fossil-based electricity reflects Vietnam's current energy landscape.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Vietnam?
Electricity consumption in Vietnam is on the rise, indicating strong growth in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation. In 2024, the per-person electricity consumption hit 3,047 kWh, a notable increase of 271 kWh compared to the historic 2023 record. Low-carbon electricity generation per person also observed growth, reaching 1,336 kWh in 2024, marking a modest increase from the previous record. These increases highlight Vietnam's upward trajectory in meeting its growing electricity demands and enhancing its clean energy capabilities, an encouraging trend in the context of global electrification needs.
Suggestions
To further bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Vietnam can take cues from successful regions worldwide. For solar energy, looking at California, where solar accounts for 29% of electricity generation, could provide valuable insights into scaling up solar capacities. Additionally, Vietnam might benefit from incorporating nuclear energy into its mix, learning from France's ambitious nuclear program that supplies 70% of its electricity. Such expansion not only adds diversity to Vietnam's energy portfolio but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lessening environmental impacts like climate change and air pollution. Wind energy examples from Denmark, with its 59% contribution, portray the possibilities for scaling wind energy as well.
History
Historically, Vietnam's low-carbon electricity generation saw significant growth, particularly in the past two decades. In the early 2000s, hydropower began its expansion with notable increments, notably a 13.4 TWh addition in 2011. The following years also saw remarkable contributions from hydropower, despite some periodic declines like the reductions observed in 2018 and 2019. Solar energy made a notable emergence in 2019, followed by a rapid increase in 2020 and 2021, marking a significant step forward in Vietnam’s clean energy journey. Through continuous development, particularly highlighted by the recent 2024 surge in hydropower, Vietnam has shown resilience and commitment towards enhancing its low-carbon electricity infrastructure.
