Phasing out coal power in a developing country context: Insights from Vietnam

At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 26th Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in November 2021, Vietnam pledged to phase out unabated coal power by the 2040s or as soon as possible thereafter. Achieving this will require major efforts. This study investigates the drivers for Vietnam's coal power phase-out decision, barriers to Vietnam achieving a successful unabated thermal coal phase out, and potential strategies to achieve the pledge. To this end, a survey of 43 experts from government agencies, research in-stitutions, civil society, and industry was carried out, supplemented by 23 follow-up interviews. The results indicate that ambition to attract international support for green growth initiatives in a context of limited financing options for new coal power projects appears to have been the primary driver for the decision. Key barriers include concerns about electricity shortages and incomplete regulatory frameworks for new clean power options. Recommended strategies include: 1) reforming regulations to facilitate investments in clean energy, electricity transmission, and energy storage; 2) continuing political prioritisation; and 3) building broad-based support from the community and enterprises. Vietnam's case is relevant to other developing countries and beyond.

Automated summary

Vietnam pledged at COP 26 to phase out unabated coal power by the 2040s or as soon as possible thereafter. This study investigated the drivers for Vietnam's decision, identified barriers to a successful phase out, and proposed potential strategies. The primary driver was the ambition to attract international support for green growth initiatives due to limited financing options for new coal power projects. Key barriers included concerns about electricity shortages and incomplete regulatory frameworks for clean power options. Recommended strategies involve reforming regulations, political prioritization, and building community and enterprise support. The findings are relevant to other developing countries.